Pacquiao bill seeks to increase retirement age for military personnel to 60 years old

Senator Manny Pacquiao has filed a bill seeking to increase the compulsory retirement age for military officers and enlisted men from 56 years old to 60.

In filing Senate Bill 1370, Pacquiao said that with the technological advancements and medical innovation, the lives of individuals and soldiers on duty have been prolonged.

He said this has been shown in different countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Germany where the compulsory retirement age for the military have been increased to 67.

Under the bill, upon reaching the age of 60 or upon accumulation of 30 years of satisfactory active service, or whichever comes later, an officer or enlisted man shall be compulsorily retired.

The bill seeks to amend Presidential Decree 1638 and 1650, both signed in 1979, setting the retirement age for military personnel.

Pacquiao, an eight-division world boxing champion, is a reservist officer with a rank of colonel in the Philippine Army.

He was first enlisted in the Army reserve force with the rank of sergeant in April 2006. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News