The House panel already approved the still-unnumbered bill aiming to amend the provision of Republic Act 8291 or the Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS) Act of 1997, pertaining to the optional retirement age.
This bill amends Section 13-A of RA 8291, which sets the optional retirement age of government employees at 56, lower than what is currently implemented which is 60.
“With lower retirement age, retirees van enjoy a better quality of life through their pension and retirement benefits, at an early age, as a bill is already being introduced to lower age to qualify as a senior citizen,” AKO BICOL partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe said.
He also explained the benefits of the bill to the younger professionals who will have greater opportunities to land positions in the government.
“The bill also creates more employment opportunities for those seeking emplIoyment in the government and serve the country,” he added.
Moreover, Rep. Batocabe emphasized the need for younger workforce who can actually introduce fresh ideas and perspectives into the government.
Meanwhile, this bill stipulates that GSIS members who retire at such age will still be entitled to the retirement benefits as long as they have already served for at least 15 years and they are not receiving benefits from any permanent total disability.
Rep. Batocabe authored this bill together with Reps. Antonio Tinio, Maria Carmen Zamora, Mercedes ‘Didi’ Cagas, Strike Revilla, Nancy Catamco, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Marisol Panotes and Lorna Silverio.
