MANILA, Philippines — Subjecting military personnel to mandatory pension contributions without a transition phase “will definitely have an impact on our soldiers,” Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said yesterday as he voiced opposition to a newly approved House bill introducing a new pension and retirement program for the Armed Forces.
“I respectfully express concern regarding the Substitute Bill approved by the House of Representatives – Ad Hoc Committee on Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension System,” Teodoro said in a statement.
He said the new measure, if enacted into law, will affect the current take home pay and retirement benefits of all active military personnel.
“First, I do not subscribe to the proposed blanket mandatory contributions for military personnel, especially for those who have already completed at least 20 years of active service,” he stressed.
Teodoro noted that President Marcos envisions a carefully transitioned introduction of any pension reform plan so that those in active service would be affected in the least possible way.
“It is also incumbent upon me to look after the welfare of our military pensioners. It has been my position that their pensions and entitlements, including 100 percent automatic indexation, shall remain unchanged,” he added.
“Ensuring the non-diminution of their retirement benefits is the least we can do in recognition of their sacrifices to the country,” he maintained.
Teodoro appealed to the House of Representatives to treat the Armed Forces of the Philippines differently from all other uniformed services.
“Finally, allow me to stress the substantial distinction of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from all other uniformed personnel. The AFP performs a sui generis mandate emanating from the 1987 Constitution: to secure the sovereignty of the Philippines and the integrity of our national territory.
“Despite wearing uniforms and ranks similar to that of other uniformed personnel, there is no uniformity in terms of the nature of their duties and responsibilities,” he explained.
“The risks they face and the multifarious roles they play in nation-building and in times of crisis are well known. Furthermore, they receive no additional financial support from local government units, unlike some of the other services. They are governed by strict rules of military law from the moment they first train until the last day of their service,” he said.
“The AFP continues to obtain the highest approval, satisfaction and trust ratings. Adding to their burdens will only serve to distract them from focusing on their crucial mission,” Teodoro said.