Senator Christopher “Bong” Go welcomed the signing of Republic Act No. 12181, a newly enacted law that adjusts the monthly benefits of retired personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), describing it as a long-overdue adjustment in recognition of the crucial role played by career diplomats in shaping the country’s international relations.
Go, who is one of the authors of the measure, emphasized that public servants—especially career government workers who served with honor and integrity—deserve dignity and fair compensation even after retirement.
“Ang serbisyo sa gobyerno ay hindi madali, lalo na para sa mga diplomat na malayo sa pamilya at bayan. Kaya nararapat lang na maitaguyod ang kanilang kapakanan pagkatapos ng kanilang serbisyo,” said Go.
Under RA 12181, DFA retirees who meet the required years of service and age threshold will receive an adjusted monthly pension based on the latest salary schedule of active DFA personnel holding the equivalent rank. The law mandates a formula that calculates a Monthly Pension Differential (MPD), ensuring that retirees’ benefits reflect current compensation standards in the department.
The Adjustment Factor—initially set at 50%—will be reviewed after five years, allowing for future recalibrations in line with inflation and economic changes.
Go stressed that the measure is not just about compensation but about fairness and respect for the country’s foreign service corps, many of whom quietly sacrificed for decades without seeking public recognition.
“Hindi lang ito usapin ng benepisyo. Usapin ito ng pagkilala at respeto sa mga hindi natin palaging nakikita pero mahalaga ang papel sa pagtataguyod ng interes ng bansa sa labas,” he said.
Go, who has consistently pushed for reforms that benefit government personnel across all sectors, also reiterated the importance of supporting civil servants throughout the different stages of their careers—including post-retirement.
“Hindi dapat nakakalimutan ang mga lingkod-bayan pag-uwi nila mula sa serbisyo. Ang tulong na ibinibigay natin sa kanila ay simbolo ng pasasalamat at pagkilala sa kanilang sakripisyo,” he added.
Given his long tenure in government, RA 12181 aligns with Go’s legislative track record of supporting social protection and welfare enhancements for workers, particularly those who have served the nation for many years.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 2504, which seeks to increase the salaries of civilian personnel. The proposed measure, also known as the Salary Standardization Law VI, builds upon the provisions of Republic Act No. 11466, or the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 5, which Senator Go served as one of its authors and co-sponsors in the Senate in 2019.
Earlier, as Vice Chair of the CA Committee on Foreign Affairs, Go reminded career diplomats and foreign service officers that they should actively champion the rights, welfare, and interests of all Filipinos in their host country, saying, “This function of yours is, for me, more important than meeting with fellow dignitaries.”
“Kayo ang extension ng ating gobyerno sa host countries ninyo kaya dapat ang serbisyo ninyo, as head of post, ay laging handa at walang pinipiling tao o oras,” he said.
The senator emphasized the importance of accessibility, urging Philippine embassies and consulates to be reachable to Filipinos in need.
“Dapat po’y bukas po ang inyong opisina para sa ordinaryong mamamayang Pilipino at ‘yung mga OFWs natin na wala pong matakbuhan kundi tayong nasa gobyerno,” he reminded.
Go stressed the need to be available 24/7 and approachable to Filipino citizens abroad, particularly those who may feel helpless or hopeless and have no one else to turn to for assistance.
“Para po ito sa kapakanan ng ating mga OFWs na nagsasakripisyo sa ibang bansa, napakahirap pong mapalayo sa ating pamilya. Hindi po nababayaran ng kahit ano yung lungkot na mapalayo sa ating mga pamilya. Kaya lang, kailangan po nila magtrabaho sa abroad, at may mapadala sa kanilang mga pamilya,” he said.
“Pakinggan ninyo ang kanilang mga hinaing at sumaklolo kaagad sa kanila kapag meron silang mga problema,” he urged.
He also reminded other government workers especially those in the frontlines to prioritize serving poor and vulnerable sectors. He cited efforts to promote the welfare of Persons With Disabilities, senior citizens, and indigents who need government attention the most.
“Unahin natin ang interes ng bayan. Unahin natin ang kapakanan ng mahihirap nating kababayan. Hinding-hindi tayo d’yan magkakamali,” Go said, citing this very important lesson passed on to him by his mentor former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Lastly, the senator reaffirmed his continuing push to ensure that all government workers—whether in the Philippines or deployed abroad—receive the recognition, support, and benefits they rightfully deserve.
“Gusto lang natin siguraduhin na may malasakit at katarungan sa bawat batas na pinapasa natin—para sa lahat ng sektor, lalo na ang mga tahimik na bayani ng ating gobyerno,” said Go.
