Increasing the monthly pension of retired officers and employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and granting disability benefits to them is a fitting recognition of their excellent public service, Sen. Loren Legarda said.

Legarda, one of the senators who voted in the approval of Senate Bill No. 2863 or the proposed Foreign Affairs Pension Differential Act, said diplomats and foreign service personnel have consistently been on the frontlines, often in challenging and dangerous environments and thus, deserve such recognition.

“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,” said Legarda, principal author of the bill.

“With the adjustment of the DFA retirees’ monthly pension and disability benefits, we ensure that they get the adequate support they need to live with dignity during retirement,” she added.

Once signed into law, the measure shall see an increase in retired diplomats' monthly pension and other benefits.

The increase in benefits shall be done every five years, and like other pensions, shall be exempted from income tax, attachment, execution, forfeiture, or retention under any legal or equitable proceedings.

Surviving legal spouse and/or qualified dependent children shall also receive 50 percent of survivorship benefits upon the death of the original recipient.

According to Legarda, the bill also aims to strengthen the DFA, the institution they serve and inspire those who follow in their footsteps to uphold the same excellence and dedication in foreign service.

“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,” she furthered.

The Senate approved the measure on third and final reading last Tuesday, with 23 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions.