With 23 affirmative votes, the Senate approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to provide monthly pension differential to all retirees of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, January 14.

Sen. Mark Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises, and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2863 or Foreign Affairs Pension Differential Act, said the measure is a long-overdue recognition of the “extraordinary and unique” sacrifices of foreign service personnel who endured many years away from their families.

“These brave individuals have been our first line of defense in unfamiliar territories, often risking their own lives to fulfill their duties. They have faced countless battles, both literal and figurative. Their service comes at a great personal cost,” Villar said in a speech after the approval of the bill.

Villar said the approval of the bill “takes our distinguished DFA retirees one step closer to a reality where they can bask in the fruit of the hard work and labor they have graciously offered to the Philippines.”

“Our DFA retirees have, literally and figuratively, crossed borders and flown miles, to ensure that our country’s diplomatic ties remain favorable and suitable to the needs of Filipinos here and abroad,” he added.

He further said the measure aims to benefit DFA personnel who have reached the age of 65 and have served for at least 15 years, offering them a lifeline— a chance at a dignified retirement befitting their service.

Also covered by the bill are officers and employees of the DFA who retired under Republic Act No. 1616, provided they have also reached the age of 65, served the agency for at least 15 years, and remained Filipino citizens.

“This is not a departure from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). The DFA will remain within the GSIS framework, and its personnel will continue to contribute thereto,” Villar explained.

“Instead, the bill merely proposes a monthly pension differential, to be administered by the DFA, that will bridge the gap between the retirees’ monthly pension and the existing rate for those holding the same rank and years of service, ensuring a dignified retirement for retirees,” he pointed out.

Sen. Loren Legarda also commended the Senate’s approval of the measure, saying the country’s diplomats and foreign service personnel have consistently been at the frontlines, often in challenging and dangerous environments.

“They are tasked with advancing the pillars of diplomacy: preserving and enhancing national security, promoting and attaining economic security, fostering cultural diplomacy, and protecting the rights and interests of Filipinos overseas,” Legarda said.

“With the adjustment of the DFA retirees’ monthly pension and disability benefits, we ensure adequate support they need to live with dignity during retirement. We also strengthen the institution they serve, inspiring those who follow in their footsteps to uphold the same excellence and dedication,” she said.

“Through this measure, we send a clear message: the sacrifices of our diplomats do not go unnoticed, and their welfare remains a priority, even after their years of service,” added the senator.