NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
tDffitr of tljf &rtrftiirp
*22 NOV 15 All 56
SENATE
S.B. No. 1510
RtCEIVED BV:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILITY 
RETIREES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
BENEFITS OF
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.
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.
It is the intention of this bill 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.
Thus, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought
RISAHONTIVEROS
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S.B. No. 1510
^t\xm
of tijc trctnip
*22 NOV 15 All S6
RECEIVED BV:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
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:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - The Act shall be known as the "Foreign Affairs Retirement
2 
and Disability Benefits Act."
3 
Section 2. Covered Retirees and Retirement Benefits. - This Act shall apply to all
4 
retired officers and employees of the DFA who:
5 
a. served in the Department for at least 15 years; and
6 
b. are eligible to receive a monthly pension from the Government Service
7 
Insurance System (GSIS).
8 
They shall receive, during the residue of their natural life, an additional pension which
9 
shall be the difference between their monthly pension and the highest monthly salary of
10 
an incumbent officer or employee occupying the same or equivalent rank and subject to
11 
further adjustment as provided under this Act.
12 
This Act shall also apply prospectively to DFA officers and employees who retired
13 
prior to the effectivity of this Act.
14 
All other officers and employees of the DFA who have also retired after serving in
15 
the DFA but who have not met all the above-mentioned requirements, shall instead be
16 
covered by applicable benefits under the GSIS Act, as amended.
17 
Section 3. Adjustment of Monthly Pension. - The monthly pension benefits of all
18 
retirees of the DFA, as provided under Republic Act No. 7157, shall, upon the effectivity
19 
of this Act, be automatically adjusted to the existing rate, and any subsequent increase
20 
thereof, of the salary grade of the rank they held upon their retirement.


1 
Section 4. Additional Entitlements. - All officers and employees covered by Section
2 
2 of this Act, shall be eligible for disability and death benefits in the same manner provided
3 
under the GSIS Act, as amended, and other relevant laws.
4 
Section 5. Exemption of Pension from Income Tax, Attachment, Levy,
5 
Garnishment. - Any pension granted to a beneficiary under this Act shall not, wholly or
6 
partly, be subject to income tax, attachment, execution, forfeiture, or retention under
7 
any legal or equitable proceedings, nor shall any lien of any kind or under any
8 
consideration be imposed thereon.
9 
Section 6. Survivorship Benefits. - In case of death of a DFA retiree or personnel
10 
who has met the requirements provided in Section 2, the following shall be entitled to
11 
receive the adjusted retirement benefits that the deceased was receiving or entitled to
12 
receive: (a) their surviving spouse, during their lifetime, or until they remarry; and (b)
13 
their dependent children. Said benefits shall be distributed or apportioned in accordance
14 
with the GSIS Act, as amended.
15 
Section 7. Appropriation and Funding Source. - The differential funding
16 
requirements for the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current
17 
year's savings of the DFA.
18 
Thereafter, the annual differential amount necessary for GSIS to pay the adjusted
19 
monthly pension and other benefits to implement the provisions of this Act shall be
20 
included in the General Appropriations Act annually, to be sourced from the DFA's annual
21 
consular income as a percentage thereof.
22 
Section 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred eighty (180)
23 
days after the effectivity of this Act, DFA shall issue the necessary rules and regulations
24 
for the effective implementation of this Act, in coordination with relevant government
25 
agencies.
26 
Section 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
27 
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force
28 
and effect.
29 
Section 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, or rules and
30 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
31 
accordingly.
32 
Section 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its
33 
publication in the Official Gazette.
Approved,