Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _____ 
______________________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The bill seeks to increase the monthly pension and disability benefits of retirees 
of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to be at par with the current pay 
scale enjoyed by those in active service. 
Article XVI, Section 8 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates that "the 
State shall, from time to time, review to upgrade the pensions and other benefits 
due to retirees of both the government and private sectors." 
On the other hand, Section 62 of Republic Act No. 7157, otherwise known as 
the Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991, in part provides that “the President 
upon recommendation of the Secretary may, as soon as practicable, submit for 
enactment by Congress a foreign affairs retirement and disability system, taking 
into account the difficulties of foreign service personnel in setting aside sufficient 
savings to take care of their eventual retirement in the Philippines due to old age 
or some other disability, with the increased burden of establishing a home in the 
Philippines after completion of their tour of duty abroad.” 
This is an important step to duly compensate Philippine foreign service personnel 
whose invaluable services to the country have helped advance Philippine 
interests, improve relations with other countries, and protect Filipinos globally. 
September 16, 2022
4:48 pm
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Personnel of the DFA are at the frontlines of Philippine foreign relations, 
sometimes risking their lives under dangerous conditions in their countries of 
assignment. They face complex challenges of living in foreign lands with different 
cultures, particularly as pioneers in opening new Posts. They are primarily 
responsible for responding and attending immediately to Filipinos in distress 
especially during critical times, disasters, security threats, and other crisis 
situations. Their patriotism, integrity, professionalism and genuine concern for 
the welfare of our kababayans here and abroad are sincere expressions of their 
devotion to the country in achieving the aspirations of the Filipino people. 
  
During their active service, the retired diplomats have demonstrated their 
resilience as the Philippines’ first line of representation in dealing with a plethora 
of concerns. They have tirelessly sought opportunities to promote Philippine 
trade, investment, tourism, and culture. They have been the voice of the Filipino 
people overseas and have spearheaded the one country team approach to 
matters of national interest. Their initiative, competence, professionalism and 
creativity have resulted in enduring bilateral and multilateral partnerships, 
strategic agreements and collaborative engagements that continue to be 
harnessed for our people’s benefits. 
  
These complex responsibilities require DFA personnel to be vigilant and ready to 
perform their duties at all times. As specialists in the arena of diplomacy and 
citizen services abroad, foreign service personnel deserve to be honored and 
cared for in their retirement through an adjustment of monthly pension, and 
thereby allowing them to afford a decent living in the face of inflation and rising 
cost of living. 
  
This House Bill seeks to provide both present and future retirees of the foreign 
service support that is adequate and responsive to their needs, and to reassure 
them that their dedication and loyalty to the Filipino people is not forgotten. 
  
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
  
 
MICHAEL L. ROMERO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _____ 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero 
AN ACT 
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILITY 
BENEFITS OF RETIREES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN 
AFFAIRS 
         Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
         Section 1. Short Title. The Act shall be known as the “Foreign Affairs 
Retirement and Disability Benefits Act.” 
Section 2.  Covered Retirees and Retirement Benefits. This Act shall 
apply to all retired officers and employees of the DFA who: 
a. served in the Department for at least 15 years; and
b. are eligible to receive a monthly pension from the Government
Service Insurance System (GSIS).
They shall receive, during the residue of their natural life, an additional 
pension which shall be the difference between their monthly pension and the 
highest monthly salary of an incumbent officer or employee occupying the same 
or equivalent rank and subject to further adjustment as provided under this Act. 
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This Act shall also apply prospectively to DFA officers and employees who 
retired prior to the effectivity of this Act. 
All other officers and employees of the DFA who have also retired after 
serving in the DFA but who have not met all the above-mentioned requirements, 
shall instead be covered by applicable benefits under the GSIS Act, as amended. 
  
         Section 3. Adjustment of Monthly Pension. The monthly pension 
benefits of all retirees of the DFA, as provided under Republic Act No. 7157, 
shall, upon the effectivity of this Act, be automatically adjusted to the existing 
rate, and any subsequent increase thereof, of the salary grade of the rank they 
held upon their retirement. 
  
         Section 4. Additional Entitlements. All officers and employees covered 
by Section 2 of this Act, shall be eligible for disability and death benefits in the 
same manner provided under the GSIS Act, as amended, and other relevant laws. 
  
Section 5. Exemption of Pension from Income Tax, Attachment, Levy, 
Garnishment. – Any pension granted to a beneficiary under this Act shall not, 
wholly, or partly, be subject to income tax, attachment, execution, forfeiture, or 
retention under any legal or equitable proceedings, nor shall any lien of any kind 
or under any consideration be imposed thereon. 
  
         Section 6.   Survivorship Benefits. In case of death of a DFA retiree or 
personnel who has met the requirements provided in Section 2, the following 
shall be entitled to receive the adjusted retirement benefits that the deceased 
was receiving or entitled to receive: (a) their surviving spouse, during their 
lifetime, or until they remarry; and (b) their dependent children. Said benefits 
shall be distributed or apportioned in accordance with the GSIS Act, as 
amended. 


 
          Section 7. Appropriation and Funding Source. – The differential funding 
requirements for the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against 
the current year’s savings of the DFA. 
  
         Thereafter, the annual differential amount necessary for GSIS to pay the 
adjusted monthly pension and other benefits to implement the provisions of this 
Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act annually, to be sourced 
from the DFA’s annual consular income as a percentage thereof. 
  
         Section 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within one hundred 
eighty (180) days after the effectivity of this Act, DFA shall issue the necessary 
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act, in coordination 
with relevant government agencies. 
SECTION 
9. 
Transitory provision – Existing industries, businesses 
and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given six (6) 
months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other period as 
may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act. 
  
Section 10. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall continue 
to be in full force and effect. 
  
         Section 11. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, or 
rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
         Section 12. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) 
days from its publication in the Official Gazette. 
 


 
Approved,