Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FEB 25 P3:23 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1906 Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla AN ACT LOWERING THE OPTIONAL RETIREMENT AGE OF GOVERNMENT WORKERS FROM SIXTY YEARS TO FIFTY SIX YEARS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
SECTION 13-A OF REPUBLIC ACT 8291, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE
GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM ACT OF 1997" EXPLANATORY NOTE Recent evidence confirms several health benefits associated with early retirement. A 2023-2024 findings by Binghamton University researchers, found that individuals who retire earlier significantly reduce alcohol consumption and smoking, and experience improved sleep quality. It also emphasized that the "protective effect on various health behaviors" clearly supports early retirement as beneficial to overall wellness. Previously, a New York Times cited meta-analysis reported that retirees enjoy around a 20% reduction in serious illness risk within seven years of retirement; subsequent studies in countries such as Israel, the U.K., and throughout Europe have largely corroborated these findings-while also highlighting mental and social gains. These combined findings suggest a compelling case: lowering the optional retirement age offers individuals and families more years to enjoy activities that promote physical, mental, and social well-being. An earlier retirement likewise allows the pursuit of hobbies and interests that will aid in the promotion of physical, mental, and social well-being of an individual.
Furthermore, the earlier release of senior government positions opens opportunities for younger workers, potentially enhancing productivity, revitalizing the public workforce, and addressing youth unemployment. On January 31, 2023, the House of Representatives of the Philippines approved on third reading a bill lowering the optional retirement age for government employees from sixty years to fifty six years old - a clear legislative response to these emerging insights. In support of this measure that seeks to uplift the quality of life of our government employees who have dedicated their best years in the service, immediate passage thereof is earnestly sought. ROBINHOOD PADILLA
Senate Difice of the Eure tarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 FEB 25 P3:24 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1906 Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla AN ACT LOWERING THE OPTIONAL RETIREMENT AGE OF GOVERNMENT WORKERS FROM SIXTY YEARS TO FIFTY SIX YEARS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
SECTION 13-A OF REPUBLIC ACT 8291, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE
GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM ACT OF 1997" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Section 13-A of Republic Act No. 8291, otherwise known as " The
Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997' is hereby amended to read as 3 follows: "Sec. 13-A. Conditions for Entitlement. - A member who retires from the 5 service shall be entitled to the retirement benefits in paragraph (a) of Section 13 hereof: Provided, That SUCH MEMBER: (1) [he] has rendered at least fifteen (15) years of service; (2) [he] is at least [sixty (60)] FIFTY SIX (56) years of age at the time of retirement; and (3) [hel is not receiving a monthly pension benefit from permanent total disability."
Sec. 2. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, letters of instruction, proclamations, administrative orders, rules or regulations
that are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 2 accordingly.
Sec. 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,