SEN. Robinhood Padilla has filed Senate Bill 1906, a measure seeking to lower the optional retirement age of government employees from 60 to 56.
Filed on Wednesday, the bill proposes to amend Section 13-A of Republic Act 8291, also known as the Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997.
Under existing law, government employees may opt to retire at age 60, provided they meet minimum service requirements, while compulsory retirement is set at 65.
Padilla said the proposal aims to improve the quality of life of public servants who have dedicated years of service to the government. In his explanatory note, Padilla cited recent studies suggesting that early retirement may have positive health outcomes.
He referenced a 2023-2024 study by researchers from Binghamton University, which found that individuals who retire earlier tend to reduce alcohol consumption and smoking, and experience improved sleep quality. The study described a “protective effect on various health behaviors,” supporting early retirement as beneficial to overall wellness.
Padilla also cited a meta-analysis previously reported by The New York Times indicating that retirees experienced about a 20-percent reduction in serious illness risk within seven years of retirement.
He noted that subsequent studies conducted in Israel, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe have largely corroborated these findings, including improvements in mental and social well-being.
”These combined findings suggest a compelling case: lowering the optional retirement age offers individuals and families more years to enjoy activities that promote physical, mental and social well-being,” Padilla said.
Beyond health considerations, the proposed measure also aims to create more opportunities for younger Filipinos seeking government employment.
Padilla argued that the earlier retirement of senior personnel would open up positions in government agencies, potentially enhancing productivity, revitalizing the public workforce and helping address youth unemployment.
The proposal follows a related development in the House of Representatives. On Jan. 31, 2023, the chamber approved on third reading a bill seeking to lower the optional retirement age for government employees from 60 to 56.
