Senator Alan Peter Cayetano urged lawmakers to explore how retired Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) personnel could continue serving the country, emphasizing that their vast experience in diplomacy and foreign relations could greatly enhance the nation’s global standing.
Speaking during the final reading of Senate Bill No. 2863, which seeks to provide pension differentials to DFA personnel aged 65 and older with at least 15 years of service, Cayetano called attention to the untapped potential of these retired diplomats.
“Ambassadors are assigned all around the world, meeting scientists, biggest businessmen, diplomats, presidents, kings, poorest of the poor, richest of the rich,” the veteran legislator said in his manifestation.
“Pag-retire nila, many of them still want to help our country. Pero ano ang venue?” the seasoned lawmaker continued.
“I think it’s just one piece of the puzzle.”
While the bill addresses the financial needs of the retirees, the senator stressed that it is just one part of a larger solution.
“While this bill is much deserved, and is needed, I think it’s just one piece of the puzzle,” he said.
Cayetano proposed that lawmakers create legislative avenues, such as think tanks, to harness the wealth of knowledge and experience that retired DFA personnel possess.
“Nandiyan na sila, waiting lang kung ano ang susunod na yugto para sa ating mahal na bansa.”
“I hope, after this pension law, this august Chamber, with the other half (House of Representatives), can come up with something to fully utilize the expertise of DFA retirees and enhance the image of the country with their help,” he said.
“Nandiyan na sila, waiting lang kung ano ang susunod na yugto para sa ating mahal na bansa,” he added.
Cayetano, who served as Foreign Affairs Secretary from 2017 to 2018, nonetheless thanked his fellow senators for their support in passing the pension bill.
