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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP, activist solon seen on same side of fence in MUP scrutiny

AFP, activist solon seen on same side of fence in MUP scrutiny

Published Jul 31, 2023 09:01 am
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed appreciation to House Deputy Minority Leader Francisca “France” Lustina Castro after she vowed that the Makabayan bloc will scrutinize the pension system of military personnel and other uniformed personnel (MUP).

*AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar (File photo)

* Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson, said the organization was thankful to Castro for her “concern to our retired AFP personnel and veterans.” “We assure her that the AFP leadership is one with her in ensuring the well-being of our soldiers after retirement,” Aguilar said. According to the AFP spokesperson, the pension system for MUP is a way to recognize the services and sacrifices of soldiers in the performance of their duties as “protector of the people and the state.” “Soldiers who have rendered at least 20 years of service deserve the pension,” he said. “The AFP thanks our lawmakers for taking the steps to reform the MUP pension system. Rest assured that the AFP will remain faithful to our mandate,” he added. The government is looking to reform the MUP pension system to prevent a potential fiscal crisis after it was described as “fiscally unstable” by Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno.  Diokno had said that the current pension system is fully funded by the government which means that it is appropriated annually in the budget, but there is no contribution from the retirees. Castro reportedly said that the left-leaning Makabayan bloc will scrutinize the MUP pension budget which is projected to reach P300 billion next year.  She said the Makabayan bloc was concerned that uniformed personnel linked to crimes such as illegal drugs would still be able to get their pension.  She also cited a report from the Commission on Audit (COA) which found alleged [discrepancies in the list of AFP pensioners](https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/28/212-afp-pensioners-overpaid-or-underpaid-coa) which supposedly resulted to overpayment or underpayment of 212 pensioners last year.

Related Tags

pension reform Rep. France Castro MUP AFP
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