Senate
of tljc S'.-nrtiirp
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1706
23 JAN 19 P5 *12
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
AN ACT
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILITY BENEFITS OF 
RETIREES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs 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. 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.


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.
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." 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 enjoyed by those in active service.
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.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
Senate
of t!)c £- t'trptar^
23 JAN 19 P5 -12
SENATE
S. No. 1706
RECEIVED BY
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
AN ACT
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILITY BENEFITS OF 
RETIREES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled.
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - The Act shall be known as the "Foreign Affairs
2 
Retirement and Disability Benefits Act of 2023."
3 
Sec. 2. Covered Retirees and Retirement Benefits. - This Act shall apply to all
4 
retired officers and employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) who:
5 
a) served in the Department for at least fifteen (15) years; and
6
7
b) are eligible to receive a monthly pension from the Government Service 
Insurance System (GSIS).
8 
They shall receive, during the residue of their natural life, an additional pension
9 
which shall be the difference between their monthly pension and the highest monthly
10 
salary of an incumbent officer or employee occupying the same or equivalent rank, and
11 
subject to further adjustment as provided under this Act.


1 
This Act shall also apply retroactively to DFA officers and employees who retired
2 
prior to the effectivity of this Act.
3 
All other officers and employees of the DFA who have also retired after serving in
4 the DFA but who have not met all the above-mentioned requirements, shall instead be
5 
covered by applicable benefits under the GSIS Act, as amended.
6 
Sec. 3. Adjustment of Monthly Pension. - The monthly pension benefits of all
7 
retirees of the DFA, as provided under Republic Act No. 7157, shall, upon the effectivity
8 
of this Act, be automatically adjusted to the existing rate, and any subsequent increase
9 thereof, of the salary grade of the rank they held upon their retirement.
10 
Sec. 4. Additional Entitlements. - All officers and employees covered by Section 2
11 
of this Act, shall be eligible for disability and death benefits in the same manner
12 
provided under the GSIS Act, as amended, and other relevant laws.
13 
Sec. 5. Survivorship Benefits. - In case of death of a DFA retiree or personnel
14 
who has met the requirements provided in Section 2, the following shall be entitled to
15 
receive the adjusted retirement benefits that the deceased was receiving or entitled to
16 
receive: (a) their surviving spouse, during their lifetime, or until they remarry: and (b)
17 
their dependent children. Said benefits shall be distributed or apportioned in accordance
18 
with the GSIS Act, as amended.
19 
Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The differential funding requirements for the initial
20 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s savings of the
21 
DFA. Thereafter, the annual differential amount necessary for GSIS to pay the adjusted
22 
monthly pension and other benefits to implement the provisions of this Act shall be
23 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
24 
Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred eighty (180)
25 
days after the effectivity of this Act, the DFA, in consultation with the GSIS and relevant


1 
government agencies, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
2 
implementation of this Act.
3 
Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
4 
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force
5 
and effect.
6 
Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, or rules and
7 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
8 
accordingly.
9 
Sec. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its 
10 publication in the Official Gazette.
Approved,