Section 24April 9, 1990, Sec./Art. 24

Fraudulent Claims. – When fraud is shown to have been committed by or with the knowledge of an applicant for any of the benefits granted under this Act, the application shall be disapproved or, if the application is already approved, such approval and the award of the benefit shall be voided as of the date of its effectivity and all other benefits under this Act which are due or to become due to the applicant shall be forfeited without prejudice to the filing of the necessary court action for the fraud committed: Provided, however, That the party or parties to the fraud, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Two thousand pesos (P2,000.00), or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court, in addition to the refund of such amount the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office has paid in monthly pension or otherwise disbursed in connection with the fraudulent claim.