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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Legarda: Improved benefits for DFA retirees will help strengthen Philippine democracy

Legarda: Improved benefits for DFA retirees will help strengthen Philippine democracy

Published May 8, 2025 11:03 am

At A Glance

  • Sen. Loren Legarda said the new law allows for a more equitable retirement framework for officials and employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Senator Loren Legarda on Thursday, May 8 said she is confident the signing into law of the measure improving the retirement benefits of officials and employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will help strengthen the foundations of Philippine diplomacy.

Legarda pointed this out as she lauded President Ferdiand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for signing into law Republic Act No. 12181, or the Adjusted DFA Retirement Benefits Act.

“Our foreign service officers operate in complex and often high-risk environments, tasked with safeguarding national interests and strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties,” Legarda said.

“This law allows for a more equitable retirement framework that reflects the strategic value of their work and ensures their welfare beyond active service,” the four-term senator stressed.

Under the new law, DFA retirees receiving monthly pensions from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will receive a monthly pension differential (MPD), which shall be the difference between the adjusted monthly pension computed by the DFA and the actual monthly pension provided by the GSIS, multiplied by an adjustment factor initially set at 50 percent.

The lawmaker noted this aligns the benefits of retired personnel with updated compensation standards.

RA No. 12181 also grants a monthly gratuity benefit to those who opted to retire under RA No. 1616, and ensures that all benefits granted are exempt from income tax, attachment, levy, and garnishment, protecting retirees from financial vulnerability.

Moreover, under the new law, survivorship benefits are also extended to qualified dependents of retirees.

Legarda said she believes the new law is a strategic investment in the country’s diplomatic architecture since ensuring a dignificied and secure retirement for retirees of the DFA—a sector where institutional memory, experience and continuity are invaluable—is essential not only to honor service but also to attract and retain committed foreign service employees.

“This measure strengthens the policy environment for career development in the foreign service by providing a clear, sustainable retirement framework,” she said.

“It reinforces institutional continuity, boosts morale, and affirms that diplomacy is a long-term professional commitment vital to national interest. We hope it also inspires more Filipinos to pursue a career in diplomacy as a worthy and honorable path in public service,” the senator stressed.

Related Tags

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) DFA Loren Legarda
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