Lawmaker pushes additional benefits for ex-presidents

MANILA, Philippines - Rep. Samuel Pagdilao of the Anti-Crime and Terrorism-Community Involvement and Support  (ACT-CIS) party-list yesterday pushed for the speedy approval of a bill that seeks to grant additional benefits and protection for former presidents as a way for the nation to thank them for their service.

Pagdilao filed House Bill 4450 that seeks to give proper recognition and gratitude to former presidents “for their great contribution to nation building and to the promotion of welfare of the Filipino people, which in all cases do not end with the term of office.”

He noted that it is very unfortunate that when a president retires from office, he or she receives no other assistance from the government other than benefits from the Government Service Insurance System.

For this reason, the measure seeks to provide lifetime pension to a widow or widower of a former president.

Pagdilao said except those who resigned or has been removed from office due to impeachment, a former president who served the full term or any person who has succeeded as president and has served for more than four years is eligible for the benefits provided for in the proposed law.

Under the bill, the Office of the President is authorized to provide, upon request, to each retired president, for a period not to exceed six months from the date of the expiration of term of office as president, with transition benefits for use in connection with winding up the affairs of his or her office and facilities.

Among the transition benefits to be provided are suitable office space appropriately equipped with furniture, office machines and equipment, and office supplies as determined by the Office of the President after consultation with the retired president.

The State will also provide the payment for the compensation of members of office staff designated by the retired president; procurement of services of consultants at a rate not to exceed those as set by the Office of the President; travel expenses and subsistence allowances provided that such travel shall relate to the duties of a retired president as representative of the State; and communication services and other benefits as may be reasonably necessary for the transition duties of the retired president.

Retirement benefits will also be given to the retired president or surviving spouse for the remainder of his or her life. The former president will receive an annual pension payable monthly by the Office of the President at a rate equal to the basic salary he or she was receiving at the time of his retirement.

But this is only applicable if the retired president does not hold an appointive or elective office or position in the government.