Trillanes pushes for early release of govt. retirement benefits

Tuesday 17th of May 2011

DAVAO CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- A bill seeking the release of retirement benefits within 30 days after the actual date of retirement of government employees is currently filed at the Senate authored by Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV.

Trillanes told the media here during Friday’s Kapihan sa PIA-11 that to ensure the timely and expeditious release of retirement pay, pensions, gratuities and other benefits to state employees, the proposed legislation would impose penalties against officials who would cause undue delay of the release of retirement benefits.

“We have to move, we have to get into this,” Trillanes stressed referring to the urgent need to enforce the rule on retirement benefits.

Addressing media’s query on the recent gripe of government employees concerning GSIS policy that suspends housing loan, the Senator replied that a committee hearing has been conducted involving several complaints on GSIS policies, though he did not elaborate.

Meanwhile, Trillanes also updated the media on a bill sponsored by Senator Franklin Drilon which tackles on reforms within the Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs).

He said the bill that has passed the second reading, is “as good as approved” pending publication on major dailies, formulation of the implementing rules and regulations and approval of the President.

Trillanes visited the city late last week and forged partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Samahang Magdalo group, for the implementation of community programs on anti-drug concerns in the region.

He thanked the Dabawenyos for the “overwhelming support” during the election, saying that he looked forward to coming back and gather inputs on the concerns of the people of Davao.

After Davao, the Senator proceeded to General Santos City over the weekend to head the Regional Convention of the Samahang Magdalo group of Regions 11 and 12.

To date, the Magdalo group has 110,000 members from more than 400 chapters across the country, Trillanes said. (RGA/PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)