Senate mulls increasing AFP, PNP retirement age to 60

The Senate is contemplating on passing a law that would increase the retirement age for officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from 56 to 60. "Medyo bata pa para magretiro (at 56) (Retiring at 56 is way too early)," said Senator Francis Escudero during Tuesday's joint hearing of the Senate committees on national defense and public order and illegal drugs. Detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a former Navy officer, had earlier sought to fix the AFP and PNP's retirement age at 65. But Defense chief Voltaire Gazmin, a retired Army general, thumbed down the proposal. "As early as 2002, the position of the PNP (on that) was negative," Gazmin said during the joint committee hearing. Because of this, Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III suggested that the PNP look into the possibiliy of increasing the retirement to 60 "if 65 is not amenable." "Paglampas ng 60 baka sobra na, payag ako sa 60 cguro... yung experience at knowledge nila magagamit pa ng AFP (When they pass 60, that's too much, I'm okay with 60, the AFP will still be able to use their experience and knowledge by then)," Sotto told reporters in an interview after the hearing. Escudero has asked Gazmin to submit a position paper on the matter within the week. He likewise asked the defense chief to comment on the proposals to prescribe a fixed term for the chief of staff and major service commanders and increase the quarters allowance and combat pay of the AFP. "We will do that," said Gazmin. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMANews.TV