This because as retirement is accompanied by old age, the cost living of a retiree also increases as he or she deals with health issues and at the same time continue giving support to his or her family.
The transition of employees to retirees is not an easy road as their retirement benefits are inadequate to support the retirees’ needs.
It is not an overstatement to say that the men and women in the government service, particularly those who have committed most of their lifetime as government workers for twenty years or so, are dedicated and devoted public servants. But beyond this statement, nothing much awaits them as they finally leave government service. It is essential to give due recognition to these government workers by the expedient act of promoting them one grade higher at the time of their retirement. An automatic promotion upon retirement policy similar to the military service should likewise be extended to the civil service. All government officials and employees who are qualified for compulsory retirement shall be granted an automatic promotion equivalent to one (1) grade level higher than the position being held at the time of retirement. Applying this, the basis of the computation of retirement benefits shall be based on the adjusted salary grade held by the retiree.
Hence, House Bill No. 6733 and Senate Bill No. 297 otherwise known as “An Act Providing Automatic Promotion of Government Officials and Employees Upon Retirement From Government Service,” were filed by Representative Edwin Olivarez (1D-Paranaque) and Senator Francis Escudero respectively. These bills are proposed to provide automatic promotion of government employees and officials upon retirement from government service.
In addition, government officials and employees who have rendered many years of service to the country are recognized rightfully.
In conclusion, they will be able to receive deserved retirement benefits which will be of much help as they leave the service permanently. The Civil Service Commission in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management and the Government Service Insurance System shall formulate the necessary rules and regulation for the effective implementation of this bill once it is approved into law.
Meanwhile, more than 1 million workers in the bureaucracy would soon be given a choice to retire early with the passage of a bill lowering the optional retirement age for government employees from 60 to 56 on final reading. Many employees would benefit from this proposed law, noting that retiring early would enhance their well-being.
They can opt to quit working, receive their benefits, do other activities and enjoy life in retirement with their loved ones even before they become senior citizens. It’s surely more fun to live life without work-related stress. The House of Representatives approved on the third and final reading House Bill 206 with 268 affirmative votes, one negative vote and one abstention.
The bill seeks to amend Section 13-A of Republic Act 8291, otherwise known as the “Government Service Insurance (GSIS) Act of 1997”.
It states that a government worker-GSIS member would be entitled to retirement benefits if he is at least 56 years of age at the time of retirement, has rendered service for at least 15 years and he is not receiving a monthly pension for permanent total disability. Retirement is compulsory at 65 years.