Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
QUEZON CITY

19™ Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL 03480

Introduced by: HON. LORNA C, SILVERIO

EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to lower the optional retirement age of government workers
trom sixty (60) years to fifty-six (56) years, amending for the purpose Section 13-
X of Republic Act No. 8291 otherwise known as the “Government Service
Insurance System Act of 1997”.

While Filipino society value the wisdom of working while still able, there
is a need to recognize the value of work-life balance which posits the idea of
striking a harmonious balance between work and living well. This is most
especially true for Filipinos with a Global Health Ranking life expectancy rate of
sixty-nine point three (69.3) years old. Compared with other citizens of other
nations, this is a relatively low rate, hence, bolstering the idea that Filipinos need
to retire earlier than sixty (60) years old if they are to best enjoy their retirement
years,

‘The above premises are the very reasons why the military and police
establishments have set retirement age at fifty-six (56) years to enable the retirees
to enjoy the perks and benefits of retirement. At fifty-six (56). a retiree still has
the physical, emotional and mental capacity to travel, engage in fun activities and
spend more time with their families’ and loved ones. Many of them would likely
pursue interests and activities that they never had the opportunity while they are
still working. Thus, giving them an option to retire at fifty (56) years old could
grant them the needed stress-free living that they all aspire.

In view of the above stated premises, approval of this measure is earnest

LORNA C., SILVERIO
Representative, 3" District of Bulacan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
QUEZON CITY

19™ Congress
First Regular Session

3480

HOUSE BILL NO.

introduced by: HON. LORNA C. SILVERIO

AN ACT LOWERING THE OPTIONAL RETIREMENT AGE OF GOVERNMENT
WORKERS FROM SIXTY (60) YEARS OLD TO FIFTY (56) YEARS OLD,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE, SECTION 13-4 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8291,
OTHERWISE KNOW AS THE GOVERNMENT SERIVCE INSURANCE SYSTEM.
ACT OF 1997

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

Section 1. Short Title. This bill shall be known as “Lowering Optional Retirement Age Act of
2022

Section 2. Declaration of State Poli It shall be the policy of the State to provide government
workers opportunities to foster work-life balance that enhances their overall well-being. The
State shall afford government workers options to pursue to achieve their life goals,

Section 3, Amendment.

Section 13-A of Republic Act No. 8291, otherwise known as the “Government Service
Insurance System Act of 1997°“is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 13-A. Conditions for Entitlement. A member who retires from service shall be
entitled benefits in paragraph (A) of Section 13 hereof, Provided. that SUCH MEMBER:

(1) [He] has rendered at least fifteen (15) years of service:
(2) [He] is at least FIFTY-SIX {56) years of age at the time of retirement;
(3) [He] is not receiving a monthly pension benefits from permanent total disabil

Section 4, Repealing Clause, All laws, presidential decrees. executive orders. ordi ,
rules and regulations, other issuances or part thereof which are inconsistent with this Act, are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly

Section 5. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15} days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in newspapers of general circulation

Approved.