House panel OKs bill lowering surface miners’ retirement age

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MANILA, Philippines – A House of Representatives committee has approved a bill lowering the retirement age of surface mine workers to 50 from 60 years old.

The committee on labor and employment, chaired by Davao City Representative Karlo Nograles, approved House Bill 4271, which seeks to amend the Labor Code to lower the surface miners’ retirement age.

In a statement, author Benguet Rep. Ronald Cosalan said he sought to lower the retirement age because surface miners were as exposed to health risks as underground miners.

Only underground mine workers enjoy a lower retirement age after a law amending the Labor Code was approved.

The bill also seeks to amend the Republic Act 1161, or the Social Security Law, which legislators said refused to recognize the mine workers’ lowered retirement age because the law amending the Labor Code did not amend the Social Security Law.

The bill seeks to allow underground and surface miners to enjoy their retirement benefits upon reaching 50 years old.

Surface miners include mill plant workers and those who work in support services, such as mechanical, electrical and tailings pond personnel.

After committee approval, the bill will be transmitted to the plenary for second reading.

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