NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
.(rt'
SENATE
yiBVkt of tlie i&>:cvet:irp
*22 NOV 23 All 26
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILITY BENEFITS OF 
RETIREES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PUBLIC PURPOSE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The State recognizes the invaluable service of Philippine foreign service employees to 
the country which have helped advance Philippine interests, improve relations with other 
countries, and protect Filipinos globally. A huge burden is placed upon the shoulders of our 
diplomats in representing our nation across the world. Their service to the country is 
immeasurable and incalculable. Hence, to increase in entitlement to monthly pensions 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 is small price to pay for the country.
This is consistent with Section 8 of Article the 1987 Philippine Constitution which 
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."
Further, 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."
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
1


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 Fiiipino people.
As they conclude the years of their untiring service, contribution and representation of 
our country, they deserve due honor and care to compensate their faithful performance of 
their duties during their active service through adjusting their monthly pension, and thereby 
allowing them to afford a decent living in the face of inflation and rising cost of living.
This bill seeks 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.
MARK A. VILLAR


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'(©Hie* of tl)0 «'':rrt.irp
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
*22 NOV 23 All '26
RECEIVED BV;
SENATE
S. No. 1529
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ADJUSTING THE MONTHLY PENSION AND DISABILITY BENEFITS OF 
RETIREES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PUBLIC PURPOSE
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the "Foreign Affairs Retirement
2 
and Disability Act"
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 
b. Are eligible to receive a monthly pension from the Government Service
7 
Insurance System (GSIS)
8 
They shall receive, during the residue of their natural life, an additional pension which
9 
shall be the difference between their monthly pension and the highest monthly of an
10 
incumbent officer or employee, occupying the same or equivalent rank, and subject to
11 
further adjustment as provided under this Act.
12 
This Act shall also apply prospectively to the DFA officers and employees who
13 
retired prior to the effectivity of this Act.


^ t 
V J
1 
All others officers and employees of the DFA, who have also retired after serving
2 
in the DFA but who have not met all the abovementioned requirements, shall instead be
3 
covered by the applicable benefits under the GSIS Act, as amended.
4 
Sec. 3. Adjustment of Monthly Pension. - The monthly pension benefits of all
5 
retirees of the DFA, as provided under Republic Act No. 7157 or the "Philippine Foreign
6 
Service Act of 1991" shall, upon the effectivity of this Act, be automatically adjusted to
7 
the existing rate, and any subsequent increase thereof, of the salary grade of the rank
8 
they held upon their retirement.
9 
Sec. 4. Additional Entitlements. - All officers and employees covered by Section 2
10 
of this Act, shall be eligible for disability and death benefits in the same manner provided
11 
under the GSIS Act, as amended, and other relevant laws.
12 
Sec. 5. Exemption of Pension from Income Tax, Attachment, Levy, Garnishment-
13 
Any pension granted to a beneficiary under this Act shall not, wholly or partly, be subject
14 
to income tax, attachment, execution, forfeiture, or retention under any legal or equitable
15 
proceedings, nor shall any lien of any kind or under any consideration be imposed
16 
thereon.
17 
Sec. 6. Survivorship Benefits. — In case of death of a DFA retiree or personnel
18 
who has met the requirements provided in Section 2, following shall be entitled to receive
19 
the adjusted retirement benefits that the deceased was receiving or entitled to receive:
20 
(a) Their surviving spouse, during their lifetime, or until they remarry; and
21 
(b) Their dependent minor children.
22 
Said benefits shall be distributed or apportioned in accordance with the GSIS Act,
23 
as amended.
24 
Section 7. Appropriation and Funding Source. - The differential funding
25 
requirements for the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current
26 
year's savings of the DFA. Thereafter, the annual differential amount necessary for GSIS
27 
to pay the adjusted monthly pension and other benefits to implement the provisions of


1 
this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act annually, to be sourced from
2 
the DFA's annual consular income as percentage thereof.
3 
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within ninety (90) days after
4 
the effectivity of this Act, DFA shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the
5 
effective implementation of this Act, in coordination with relevant government agencies.
6 
Sec. 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or
7 
invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force
8 
and effect.
9 
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. -All laws, executive orders, rules and contrary thereof,
10 
or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
11 
Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
12 
publications in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulations in the
13 
Philippines.
Approved,