EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
S.B. No. 2347
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR PANFILO LACSON
AN ACT
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILITY BENEFITS 
OF RETIREES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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. This is an important step to duly 
compensate Philippine foreign service personnel whose invaluable services to 
the country have helped advance the 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. While in active service, 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.
Such 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.
With all these being said, 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, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
IFIUO M. LACSON
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
S.B. No. 2347
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR PANFILO LACSON
AN ACT
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILITY BENEFITS 
OF RETIREES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Coverage. This Act shall only apply to retired officers or 
employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) who have served in the 
DFA for at least 15 years and are eligible to receive monthly pensions from the 
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Section 2. Adjustment of Monthly Pension. The monthly pension 
benefits of all retirees of the DFA, as provided under Republic Act No. 7157, 
shall be automatically adjusted at the same rate as any future or subsequent 
increase in the salary grade of the same rank he or she retired from.
Section 3. Additional Entitlements. All officers and employees covered 
by Section 1 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 4. Retroactive Effect. The benefits under this Act shall also be 
granted to all retirees of the DFA who retired prior to the effectivity of this Act in 
the same manner provided in Section 2 hereof.
Section 5. Survivorship Benefits. In case of death of a DFA retiree or 
personnel who has met the requirements provided In Section 1, the following


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shall be entitled to receive the adjusted retirement benefits that the deceased 
was receiving or entitled to receive: (a) his or her surviving legitimate spouse, 
during his or her lifetime, or until he or she remarries; and (b) dependent minor 
children until he/she reaches the age of majority. Said benefits shall be 
distributed or apportioned in accordance with the GSIS Act, as amended.
Section 6. Appropriation and Funding Source. - The differential 
funding requirements for the initial implementation of this Act shall be sourced 
from any available 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. The funding 
thereof shall be sourced from the DFA’s annual consular income as a 
percentage thereof.
Section 7. implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within (90) 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 8. 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 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, or 
rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) 
days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general 
circulation.
Approved,