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=X ODATE July 7, 2022

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

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NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__1594

Introduced by
HON. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ

and
HON. JUDE A. ACIDRE

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR AN EARLY OPTIONAL RETIREMENT FOR DISABLED
PERSONS WORKING IN GOVERNMENT

EXPLANATORY NOTE

For the longest time, disabled persons have struggled to attain
‘opportunities that are easily available to other members of the society. This
includes working in an environment that not only recognizes their capabilities, but
more so, enables them to attain self-actualization and overall satisfaction in their
life. Despite certain limitations due to their disability, they have bravely continued
to offer their service to the public through engaging in both local and national
governmental work. It is the duty of the State to empower the disabled members
of our society by acknowledging the service they have rendered despite their
difficult circumstances. By allowing an early retirement option, they will be able
to focus on maintaining their physical and mental health, which can be more
challenging and laborious for disabled persons than others, as they become

increasingly susceptible to illnesses that go along with ageing, in addition to their


disability. Requiring disabled persons to continue working in their late ages will

expose them to more dangerous circumstances than most.

The hard work and dedication of our countrymen who are suffering from
disabilities must be rewarded. We have to give them the option to retire from
government service early and give them the opportunity to live their lives however
they wish, with the full support of our government to which they have faithfully

served.

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

Rep. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ
Representative, MTingog Sinirangan

Representative, Tingog Sinirangan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. _ 1594

Introduced by
HON. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ
and
HON. JUDE A. ACIDRE

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR AN EARLY OPTIONAL RETIREMENT FOR DISABLED
PERSONS WORKING IN GOVERNMENT

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

Section 1. Short Title. This act shall be known as “The Persons With
Disability Retirement Act of 2022.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. The grant of the rights and privileges

for disabled persons shall be guided by the following principles:

a. Disabled persons are part of the Philippine society, thus the State
shall give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of
disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society;

b. Disabled persons have the same rights as other people to take their
proper place in society, thus persons with disability shall have equal
opportunity in gainful employment in the government;

c. The State recognizes the right of disabled persons to a meaningful,
productive and satisfying life during and after their government
service.

Section 3. Definition of terms. As used in this Act:


a. Disabled Persons are those suffering from restriction of different
abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to
perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered
normal for a human being;

b. Impairment is any loss, diminution or aberration of psychological,
physiological, or anatomical structure of function;

¢. Disability shall mean (1) a physical or mental impairment that
‘substantially limits one or more psychological, physiological or
anatomical function of an individual or activities of such individual; (2)
arecord of such an impairment; or (3) being regarded as having such
an impairment.

Section 4. Coverage. This Act shall cover any appointive officials and
employees of the National Government, including government-owned or
controlled corporations with original charters, as well as the personnel of all
local government units. Uniformed personnel of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines and the Philippine National Police are excluded from the coverage
of this Act.

Section 5. Early Retirement. All disabled persons working in
government, who are members of the Government Service Insurance System,
are entitled to the benefits under Section 13 of Republic Act No. 8291 otherwise
known as “The Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997” provided
that he or she:

a. Has rendered at least 15 years of service;

b. Has been suffering a disability for at least 10 years immediately

preceding the retirement; and,

c. Is atleast fifty five (55) years of age at the time of retirement.

Section 6. Separability Clause. Should any provision of this Act or any
part thereof be declared invalid, the other provisions, so far as they are

separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in force and effect.

Section 7. Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees, executive


orders and rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after
its publication in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the

Philippines.

Approved,