Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____ 
Introduced by the Honorable Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” K. Chan 
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 
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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. 
 
 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is 
earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” K. Chan 
Lone District, Lapu-Lapu City 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____ 
Introduced by the Honorable Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” K. Chan 
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.” 
SEC. 2. Covered Retirees and Retirement Benefits. – This Act shall apply 
to all retired officers and employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs 
(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 by covered by applicable benefits under the GSIS 
Act, as amended. 
 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 


SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
from its publication in the Official Gazette. 
 
 
Approved,