In a significant development, the House Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization, under the leadership of Congressman Edwin Olivarez, has approved a crucial bill aimed at amending the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) law to address the retirement benefit challenges faced by elected officials who have not completed the minimum 15 years of government service. This legislative move was the focus of a recent hearing held at the Batasan Pambansa on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

During the hearing, Councilor Atty. Raul R. Corro, the PCL National Chairman and Chairman for Advocacy and Policy of ULAP, delivered a compelling opening statement acknowledging the pressing need for House Bill No. 8858. This bill, entitled "An Act Providing an Option for Qualified Elected Officials to Pay Voluntary Contribution to the GSIS," seeks to enable elected officials to complete the required years of service to qualify for retirement benefits.

The proposed bill aims to rectify the disconnect between the GSIS law's provisions and the realities faced by elected officials whose terms are limited by the Constitution. Councilor Corro argued that elected officials, deriving their mandates directly from the people through elections, deserve fair access to retirement benefits equivalent to their appointive counterparts.

The approval of House Bill No. 8858 at the committee level marks a significant milestone in addressing the retirement benefit disparities faced by elected officials. As advocacy efforts continue to gain momentum, ULAP remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting equitable policies that uphold the welfare and rights of government employees across the Philippines.