Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo, 1501.

Introduced by HON. EDGAR M. CHATTO
First District, Bohol

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to amend Section 13-A of Republic Act No. 8291, otherwise
known as “The Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997”, thus, lower the
optional retirement age of government employees from sixty (60) to fifty-six (56).

The proposed measure seeks to address various issues:

First, it will afford the retirees a time to enjoy the fruits of their labor by
allowing them to retire while still able to do the things they loveand being paid for it.
It will encourage them to spend more time with family and loved ones. With this, the
State acknowledges the service they rendered to government and gives the retirees a
new leash in becoming productive in a different way. This also addresses the sad
truth that retirement pay and pension nowadays, most often than not, is perceived to.
pay only for hospital bills and medicines.

Second, it will open up the bureaucracy and allow a younger generation to
enter government service. This scheme opens a viable solution to unemployment,
expedites manpower turn-over, ensures productivity, warrants mentorship and
necessitates continuity of service.With this, the State answers the call of the
Constitution to recognize the vital role of the youth in nation-building, Further, it
allows for the infusion of modern technology and processes that guarantees
efficiency.

The end result would be the improvement of the quality of life of Filipino
retirees at the same time reinforce the quality of public service through the youth.

In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

&

REP. EDGAR M. CHATTO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1501
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. EDGAR M. CHATTO.
First District, Bohol

AN ACT LOWERING
THE OPTIONAL RETIREMENT AGE OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
FROM SIXTY (60) TO FIFTY-SIX (56) YEARS, AMENDING FOR THE
PURPOSE SECTION 13-A OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8291,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE
SYSTEM ACT OF 1997”

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

SECTION 1. 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:

“SEC. 13-A. Conditions for Entitlement. — A member who retires
from the service shall be entitled the retirement benefits enumerated in
paragraph (a) of Section 13 hereof; provided, that such member:

(1) has rendered at least fifteen (15) years of service;

(2) isatleast fifty-six (56) years of age at the time of retirement;
and

(3) is not receiving a monthly pension benefit from permanent
total disability.”

SEC 2. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders and rules and
regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the completion of
its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved.