Senate se of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 BEC 17 P6:13 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1640 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT GRANTING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO FORMER PRESIDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPLANATORY NOTE Former Presidents of the Philippines remain prominent public figures even after the conclusion of their term. They are often called upon to represent the country in both official and ceremonial engagements. With their experience in governance and diplomacy, they are able to offer valuable insights on national discourse and take part in initiatives that promote the country's interests. To fulfill these continuing roles, they require basic administrative and logistical support, including access to office space and the services of a small team of staff. Acknowledging the ongoing responsibilities and public expectations placed upon them, this bill seeks to provide former Presidents with the necessary resources to perform their post-presidential functions effectively. Further, this bill aims to extend appropriate security protection to them and their immediate families in view of their continuing visibility and potential security risks necessarily brought about by their former and current official functions. Ultimately, this measure will uphold the dignity of the Office of the President and support the dignified conduct of post-presidential duties in service to the nation. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is sought. MARK A. VILLAR ROC
benate Olice at the specretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25. DEC 17 P6:13 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1640 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT GRANTING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO FORMER PRESIDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Former Presidents
2 Benefits Act."
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
4 maintain the dignity of the Office of the President and to honor former Presidents of 5 the Republic by granting them certain benefits and privileges that will allow them to 6 perform the duties and functions often required of a former President.
Sec. 3. Eligibility. - All former Presidents shall be entitled to the benefits and
privileges provided under this Act.
Sec. 4. Benefits. - Each former President shall be entitled to the following, for
10 the remainder of his or her life: (a) Personal security and protection detail of at least three (3) personnel to be provided by the Presidential Security Group (PSG), and to be augmented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the need arises. The former President shall have the right to choose the head of his or her own security detail; (b) Personal security and protection of at least two (2) personnel to be provided by the PSG, and to be augmented by the Philippine shall have the right to choose the head of his/her own security detail: (c) Personal security and protection of at least two (2) personnel to be provided by the PSG, and to be augmented by the PNP as the need arises, for the
immediate family of the former President for so long as the said President is living: (C) Adequate staff provided by the Office of the President, as the case may be, to each former President. Such staff shall be selected by the former President; and (d) Suitable office space appropriately furnished and equipped, provided by the Office of the President, as the case may be, at such place within the Philippines as the former President shall specify.
Sec. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement the provisions of
this Act shall be included by the Department of Budget and Management in the annual 11 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Sec. 6. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared
13 unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof that are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or
other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
19 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,