Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. __________ 
Introduced by Representative MARIA RACHEL J. ARENAS 
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. 
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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. 
  
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARIA RACHEL J. ARENAS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
   Representative 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     3rd District of the Province of Pangasinan 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. __________ 
Introduced by Representative MARIA RACHEL J. ARENAS 
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. 
This Act shall also apply prospectively to DFA officers and employees who retired prior 
to the effectivity of this Act. 
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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. 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,