Survivorship Benefits

Srinie Office of the Setirtary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 AUG 20 P6:11 First Regular Session ) SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1248 S. No. — Introduced by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa AN ACT GRANTING SURVIVORSHIP BENEFITS TO THE SURVIVING LEGITIMATE SPOUSE AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF A DECEASED RETIRED CHAIRPERSON, COMMISSIONER, OR LABOR ARBITER OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The National Labor Relations and Commission (NLRC) as the quasi judicial agency tasked with resolving labor and management disputes plays a crucial role in promoting social justice and protection of the rights and welfare of workers. In order to fulfill their mandate, the NLRC has a chairperson, twenty three (23) commissioners, and one hundred seventy one (171) labor arbiters. After performing their duties and upon retirement, this less than two hundred hard working public servants will receive benefits under the law. However, unlike in the judiciary and constitutional commissions, their legal survivors are not allowed to receive the retirement benefits in the event of their death. As such, in order to address the policy gap and place their families on equal footing with other government agencies, the proposed measure seeks to grant survivorship benefits to the surviving legitimate spouse and dependent children of the deceased NLRC chairperson, commissioners, and labor arbiters.

The passage of this legislation will serve as one of our way of showing our appreciation to the unwavering dedication in the administration of labor justice rendered by NLRC officials. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. RONALD "BATO'" DELA ROSA

Sinate office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 AUG 20 P6:11 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1248 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa AN ACT GRANTING SURVIVORSHIP BENEFITS TO THE SURVIVING LEGITIMATE SPOUSE AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF A DECEASED RETIRED CHAIRPERSON, COMMISSIONER, OR LABOR ARBITER OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Survivorship Benefit. - In case of death of the chairperson,

2 commissioner or labor arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), 3 who has retired, or was eligible for optional retirement at the time of death, the 4 surviving legitimate spouse and dependent children of the deceased is entitled to 5 receive, on a monthly basis, all the retirement benefits that the deceased chairperson, 6 commissioner or labor arbiter of the NLRC would have received at the time of demise. For purposes of this Act, "dependent children" refers to a legitimate, illegitimate or legally adopted child who is chiefly dependent on the said deceased chairperson, 9 commissioner or labor arbiter, if such dependent is not more than twenty-one (21) years of age, unmarried and not gainfully employed, or if such dependent, regardless 11 of age, is incapable of self-support because of any mental or physical defect or condition. The surviving legitimate spouse shall continue to receive such retirement benefits until the death or remarriage of the said surviving spouse: Provided, That the surviving spouse and dependent children shall each equally share the retirement 16 benefits.

Sec. 2. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the initial implementation of

2 this Act shall be taken from the current year's appropriations of the NLRC. Thereafter, 3 such sums as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in 4 the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of

6 instruction, proclamations, or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 4. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its

9 complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,