Lawmaker seeks mandatory pension contributions among soldiers, cops

(File photo courtesy of PNP Police Regional Office 3)

MANILA, Philippines—  ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro believes government’s proposal to require pension contributions from military and other uniformed personnel (MUP) will filter personnel who are only in the service to supposedly fatten their wallets.

Castro said on Wednesday that reports of mass retirement among law enforcers are indicative of their “mercenary mindset.”

“Hindi natin kailangan ng mga sundalo o pulis (na) nandyan lamang dahil mataas ang sahod at pensyon nila, tapos mawawala na kapag bumaba na ang mga ito,” said the House deputy minority leader.

“Kung ganun ay pera lang ang habol nila at madaling matutukso ang mga ganyang tipo na maging corrupt o maging parte mismo ng mga sindikato tulad ng sa droga o guns for hire,” she added.

Under the Marcos Jr. administration’s proposal, active MUPs will contribute 5% of their monthly wages to their retirement fund while new personnel will put in 9% of their basic salary and longevity pay.

The current MUP pension system covers members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Public Safety College, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Corrections and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.

Unlike other government workers, employees in these agencies do not contribute any amount from their salaries to their retirement fund, which is pulled yearly from the national budget.

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