Sen. Jinggoy Estrada assured this Monday that the proposed reform of the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) retirement and pension system would not affect current retirees.
According to Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense, this reform will no longer cover the retired, and they will still receive their pension.
If fully enacted, new military service recruits must contribute to their pension.
“Yung mga retirees na tumatanggap na ng pension under this current system hindi natin gagalawin yun… So safe sila,” said Estrada.
Estrada plans to talk to Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro and the economic managers of the Marcos administration.
He said that the contribution of the affected stakeholders will be discussed and he said that the administration’s economic managers have also had a roadshow in this regard to explain his proposal.
If it is necessary to have another hearing, he is open to it, but for now, it can be discussed with all the affected stakeholders.
Estrada’s target is to have the proposal become law before the end of the year.
Estrada clarified that Malacañang had no order or request for this.
In January, the Department of Budget and Management approved the release of more than P14 billion to cover military retirees’ regular pension requirements.
Current pension of military retirees not affected by reform: Jinggoy
The DBM stated that the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for P14,025,351,666 to the Department of National Defense was granted on Jan. 12.
It stated that the notice of cash allocation (NCA) covers the pension requirements from January to March 2023.
According to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the disbursement of the fund recognizes the contribution of military retirees to the country’s security and stability.
“It is our responsibility to make sure that our retirees, as well as their families, always get the benefits entitled to them. Malaking tulong ‘yan sa kanila. Matagal na panahon silang nagsilbi para tulungan at protektahan ang ating bayan. This is the least we can do to show them our sincerest gratitude and respect,” Pangandaman said.
According to the DBM, the money is charged under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to the Pension and Gratuity money (PGF).
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