The Department of Finance (DOF) said the proposed reforms of the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension underwent revisions after taking into account the concerns and recommendations gathered from previous consultations with various MUP services.
The economic team conducted back-to-back consultations with members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Army (PA) last June 9.
“When we started the roadshow, our proposals were very different. But because we are listening, the proposals have changed… product of various consultations with stakeholders,” said finance undersecretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco in a statement.
Deputy treasurer Erwin Sta. Ana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to finding a “healthy balance” between the sustainability of the MUP pension system and the welfare of enlisted personnel.
During the consultations, members of the PCG sought clarifications on the applicability of the reforms, while others provided suggestions to further enhance the proposed packages for optional retirement, the DOF said.
PA officers openly expressed their sentiments to representatives from the DOF, Bureau of the Treasury, Government Service Insurance System, Department of National Defense and Senate of the Philippines.
Government representatives assured the officers that their concerns and suggestions would continue to be considered to improve the current proposal and reach a mutually acceptable version of the bill.
Finance undersecretary Maria Cielo Magno clarified the military pension is only one of many areas of reform the government is currently reviewing.
“We identified eight new reforms to ensure that we will be able to finance all the needs of our budget for next year,” Magno said.
These reforms include the rationalization of government bureaucracy to improve efficiency and the implementation of mechanisms to generate additional revenue, Magno said.
The DOF said the consultation with the PA attracted the largest crowd thus far, with approximately 20,000 participants joining the dialogue online and at the Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse in Taguig City.
To date, the economic team has conducted a total of nine consultative discussions with members from the PA, Philippine Air Force, Presidential Security Group, Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, AFP Health Service Command, PCG and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
It is expected that the administration bill will be finalized in time for the resumption of Congress’ session in July 2023.
