DBM releases P2.85-B in unpaid MUP pension differentials

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Saturday it released P2.85 billion to several agencies to cover the one-month equivalent of the 2018 pension differential of retired military and uniformed personnel (MUP).

In a statement, the DBM said the initial release will benefit retired military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as the retired uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Coast Guard and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.

The estimated one month equivalent of the 2018 pension differential released to the agencies is broken down as follows:

The total requirement to cover the 2018 pension differential of retired MUPs amounts to P34.20 billion, the DBM noted.

“This leaves a balance of P31.35 billion which is yet to be released subject to the availability of funds and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations,” it said.

“Rest assured that the Department will immediately evaluate and process all special budget requests after satisfying the requirements for the current regular pension and pension arrears as validated by the Commission on Audit,” it said.

To recall, the Pension and Gratuity Fund (PGF) was significantly reduced to P152.9 billion from P172.9 billion when the General Appropriations Act was passed, affecting the release of the 2018 pension differential of retired MUPs.

“Hence, to ensure the continuous and up-to-date payment of pension, the DBM will continue to prioritize the release of current/regular pension requirements,” the Budget department said.

The DBM said it was committed to fulfilling its mandate of promoting the efficient and effective management of the national budget to support its budget priorities while also ensuring that the needs of the Filipino people, especially of all military and uniformed personnel, are met. — DVM, GMA News