SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday commended the Chair and Members of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Pension System for coming up with a revised version of the reform bill that is now acceptable to all stakeholders including the Armed Forces and the National Police.
“Salamat sa House Ad Hoc Committee, makakatulog na nang mahimbing ang mga military at uniformed personnel natin gayundin ang kanilang mga pamilya. Sigurado nang mababayaran ang lahat ng pensyon nila, may dagdag pa silang suweldo taun-taon,” Speaker Romualdez, head of the 312-member House of Representatives, said.
The House leader aired the commendation after he was informed that all stakeholders invited in the first hearing called by the Ad Hoc Committee expressed satisfaction with the provisions of a substitute bill introduced by the panel.
The substitute bill, which was approved by the Ad Hoc Committee today with amendments, consolidated all House measures introduced by various Members related to proposed reforms in the MUP Pension System.
Speaker Romualdez ordered the creation of the Ad Hoc Committee to thresh out disagreements over various proposals on the pension system reforms.
It is chaired by Rep. Joey Salceda, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. Joining as Vice Chairs of the Committee are the Chairs of the House Committees on Appropriation, National Defense, and Public Order and Security.
The salient agreements reached during the hearing include:
* 90 percent maximum retirement package based on base pay of all MUP, raising by 5 percent the previous package for AFP personnel;
* Include PNP personnel who served below 20 years in list of eligible for separation lump sum;
* Fix to 57 the age of retirement for all MUP;
* Guaranteed 3 percent salary increase annually for all MUP;
* Two separate pension management system, one for AFP and one for civilian uniformed personnel;
* 50 percent indexation for MUP;
* Creation of a window in pension fund system for disadvantaged pensioners.
“This landmark legislation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the men and women in uniform, who risk their lives daily to maintain peace and order. It provides a robust, sustainable, and fair pension system that recognizes their invaluable service to our nation,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“With this reform, we’re not only prioritizing the well-being of our MUP but also ensuring the country’s economic stability. It is a testament to our commitment to national security and fiscal responsibility. I congratulate the Ad Hoc Committee for their hard work and dedication towards this pressing issue,” the Speaker remarked
