Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. __165_

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This measure, the Philippine Jockeys Retirement Act of 2010, whose aim is to reduce
retirement age of racehorse jockeys from 60 to 55, is originally HB 6511 that we filed in the 14"
Congress and was extensively discussed in the Committee on Labor and Employment and was
approved on Third and Final Reading last January 19, 2010 by the House of Representatives. For
lack of material time, the Senate failed to act and this measure did not become a law.

At present, all racchorse jockeys, who are all members of the New Philippine Jockeys’
Association argue that their retirement age pegged at 60 years old by virtue of Republic Act 1161, as,
amended by Republic 8282 (Social Security Act of 1997) is no longer proper as their jobs require a lot
of physical exertion. The Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM), which is the regulatory
body governing the racing industry, has set the retirement age of jockeys at 55 years old, regardless
of their mental and physical abilities. But they need to wait for five (5) more years before they can
get their pension. Hence, the need for this measure.

Immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

ATTY. MAGTANGGOL T.GUNIGUNDO |.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
165
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by ATTY. MAGTANGGOL T. GUNIGUNDO I

AN ACT
AMENDING ARTICLE 287 OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 442, AS
AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LABOR CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE 287-A REDUCING THE
RETIREMENT AGE OF RACEHORSE JOCKEYS FROM SIXTY (60) TO
FIFTY-FIYE(55).

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

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as “The Race Horse Jockeys
Retirement Act of 2010.”

Section 2. Retirement. - The Labor Code is hereby amended by adding a new Article 287-
A to read as follows:

“ART. 287-A. Retirement Age for Race Horse Jockeys. — A professional racehorse
jockey, who is duly licensed by the Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM),
shall be compulsorily retired upon reaching the age of fifty-five (55) years, and shall
be entitled to all the retirement benefits provided for under Article 287 of this Code.

Nothing in this article shall deprive any race horse jockey of the benetits he is
entitled to under existing laws, company policies or practices.”

Section 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Sectetary of the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Administrator of the Social Security System (SSS), the
Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM) and the New Philippine Jockeys’ Association, Inc.
(NPJA) shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this,
Act within thirty (30) days from its effectivity.

Section 4. Separability Clause. ~The provisions of this Act are hereby deemed separable. If
any provision thereof is declared invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality
shall not affect the other provisions which shall remain in effect.

Section 5. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrces, executive orders, rules and regulations, ot
parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed.

Section 6. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,