AN ACT REQUIRING ALL CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO ENSURE THE EARLY RELEASE OF THE RETIREMENT PAY

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 10154

Declaration of State Policy (Section 1)
- Ensures timely and expeditious release of retirement pay, pensions, gratuities, and other benefits of retiring government employees.
- Highest priority shall be given to the payment and settlement of retirement benefits.

Period for Release of Retirement Benefits (Section 2)
- Retirement benefits must be released within 30 days from the date of actual retirement.
- Requirements must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the effective retirement date.
- GSIS shall pay retirement benefits on the last day of service.

Retiring Employees With Pending Cases (Section 3)
- Pending cases involving pecuniary liability must be terminated or resolved within 3 months from retirement date.
- If the case is not resolved within 3 months without justifiable reason, retirement benefits shall be immediately released without prejudice to the case resolution.
- Exception: If the delay is deliberately caused by the retiring employee.

Coverage (Section 4)
- Covers all branches, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).
- Excludes personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
- Applicable to applications for compulsory retirement and optional or early retirement.

Penal Provisions (Section 5)
- Unjustified failure or refusal to release retirement benefits within the prescribed periods shall be grounds for administrative disciplinary action.
- Penalty: Suspension from service without pay for 6 months to 1 year.
- Exception: If the delay is due to force majeure or insuperable causes.

Implementing Rules and Regulations (Section 6)
- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) shall promulgate and issue appropriate rules and regulations for proper implementation.
- Rules shall include uniform periods for advance filing of retirement applications, processing, and release of claims.

Separability Clause (Section 7)
- If any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain valid and effective.

Repealing Clause (Section 8)
- All laws, executive issuances, orders, and rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Effectivity (Section 9)
- This Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.