Adjusting the optional retirement age for government workers would open up opportunities for the next generation of civil servants and allow retirees to enjoy the next phase of their lives, according to Senator Joel Villanueva.
Villanueva asked resource persons at the hearing of the Senate civil service committee on the likelihood of staffing shortage should several bills seeking to lower the optional retirement age are passed into law.
“It’s good to note that proposals to lower the optional retirement age will not result in staffing shortage,” Villanueva said after Civil Service Commissioner Aileen Lizada explained that there was a high demand for government workers.
“There were about 200 applicants for a single vacancy we opened recently.”
Lizada shared that in one instance, there were about 200 applicants for a single vacancy they opened recently, which showed that many people looking for jobs.
On the other hand, the veteran legislator sought from representatives of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) the reasons often cited by government workers on why they remained in service until they reach the mandatory retirement age of 65.
Replying to the seasoned lawmaker’s query, GSIS representatives stated that workers stay until the mandatory retirement age because they need to meet the 15-year service requirement to be eligible for a state pension; they need the income to cover their basic needs and pay off debts and they still desire to work.
The senator reiterated that it was the duty of the government to design social security programs for its elderly population such as those in the civil service.
“We really must study further on how to make optional retirement a reliable option for them.”
Given the requirements of tenure before being able to be eligible for state pension and their day-to-day needs, Villanueva pointed out that “we really must study further on how to make optional retirement a reliable option for them”.
He filed Senate Bill No. 715 which seeks to lower the optional retirement age for teachers from 60 to 55 years.
Villanueva cited a study that showed Filipino teachers retire at age 65 while their counterparts in most ASEAN countries retire at age 60.
“Bigyan din naman po natin ng pagkakataon ang ating mga guro na ma-enjoy ang kanilang retirement while they are still healthy, agile, and strong,” he concluded.