Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._5210

Introduced by Representative Joseph Gilbert F, Violago

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This commendable bill had been filed in the past Congress and the present proponent
is acknowledging the wisdom and hard work of his predecessors.

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
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 hamessed 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.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

JOS FALBERT F. VIOLAGO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _5210_

Introduced by Representative Joseph Gilbert F, Violago

AN ACT.
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
OF RETIREES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Be if enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Short Title.
Disability Benefits Act.”

‘The Act shall be known as the “Foreign Affairs Retirement and

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.

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
DPA.

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
afier 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. 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 10. 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 11. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its
publication in the Official Gazette.

Approved,