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NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House Bill No.
Introduced by Representative TEoDoRICo "NoNoNG' T. HARESC0, IR.
AN ACT
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILIW BENEFITS OF RETIREES OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This 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 erloyed by those
in active service.
Article XV[, Section 8 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates that "the State
shall, from time to time, review to upgrzde 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
whoss invaluable serviees to the country have helped advance Philippine interests, improve
relations with other countries, and protect Filipinos globally.
September 21, 2022
8:29 am
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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 fuibabayans here and abroad me sincere expressions of their devotion to the
country in achieving the aspirations ofthe 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 concems. They have
tirelessly sought opportunities to promote Philippine trade, investment, tourism, and culture.
They have been the voice ofthe Filipino people overseas and have spearheaded the one country
team approach to rnatters of national interest. Their initiative, competence, professionalism and
creativity have resulted in enduring bilateral and multilateral partnerships, strategic agreements
and collaborative engagemonts that continue to be harnessed for our people's beneflts.
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
4[road, 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 passage of this bill is earnestly sought-
\
t-0- \ t
TEODORICO T.
JR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
House Bill No.
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Introduced by Representative TEODORICO "NONONG- T. HARESCO,IR.
AN ACT
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILIW BENEFITS OF RETIREES OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representstiaes of the Philippines in
Congressassembled:
SECTION 1. Short Tille. - This Act shall be known as the "Foreign Affairs Retirement and
Disabiliff Benefits Act."
SECTION 2. Couered Retfuees and Retirement Beneftts. - This Act shall apply to all retired
officers and employees of the DFA who:
a) served in the Departrnent for at least fifteen (15) years; and
b) are eligible to receive a rnonthly pension from the Government Service Insurance
System (GSIS).
They shall receive, during the residue of their rlt *t life, an additional pension which shall be
the difference between their monthly pension andthe highest monthly salary of an incumbent
officer or employee occupying the same or equivalent rank and subject to furttrer 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 Ac! as amended.
SECTION 3. Adiustment 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 Acq
be automatically adjusted to the existing rate, and any subsequent increase thereof, ofthe salary
grade of the rank they held upon their retirement.
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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. Exemptio* af Pensionfrom Income Tax, Attachment, Leuy, Gurnishment. *
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 undsr any oonsideration 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 aoportioned in accordance with the GSIS Act, as amended.
SECTION 7. Appropriation und 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 flm GSIS to pay the adjusted monthly
pension and other b.enefits to implement the provisions of this Act shall be included in the
GeRcral Appropriations Act annually, to be sourced from the DFA's annual consular income
as a percentage thereof.
SBCTION S.Irnplementing 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 18. Repealing Clause. ' All lawg 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 or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,