House panel OKs earlier retirement for state workers

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio on Friday welcomed the committee approval of a proposal that would allow government workers, including public school teachers, to opt for earlier retirement at age 56 instead of 60.

The measure, House Bill No. 207, was approved on Thursday by the House Committee on Government Enterprises. It seeks to amend Section 13-A of Republic Act No. 8291 or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Act of 1997, which currently sets the optional retirement age for government employees at 60.

Tinio, one of the principal authors alongside Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co, said the development marks a significant step toward recognizing the long years of service and strain endured by public sector workers.

“The committee approval of HB 207 is an important step toward a more humane retirement policy for teachers and government workers who have devoted their lives to public service,” Tinio said.

“This bill gives them a real choice to retire earlier at 56, after years of exhausting work that takes a toll physically, emotionally, and psychologically.”

He said the proposal responds to long-standing appeals from educators who have raised concerns during consultations, citing difficult working conditions in public schools.

Tinio pointed to overcrowded classrooms, high pupil-teacher ratios, and workloads that often extend beyond official teaching hours as key issues affecting teachers’ well-being.

He added that educators routinely handle advisory duties, administrative paperwork, and even responsibilities that spill over into supposed vacation periods.

“Public school teachers often leave the profession not with satisfied smiles but with illnesses. Their retirement benefits end up going to medical bills instead of rest, family needs, or building a small livelihood. Lowering the optional retirement age is a matter of dignity and respect for their years of sacrifice,” he said.

Tinio clarified that the proposal does not lower the mandatory retirement age but expands the option for those who wish to retire earlier.

“We are addressing concerns on sustainability while pursuing what is right for our teachers and government employees. We urge House leadership to fast-track HB 207 to plenary, and we call on the Senate to pass a counterpart measure so this can become law as soon as possible,” he added.

“Karapat-dapat lang na mabigyan ng opsyon ang mga guro at kawani ng gobyerno na magretiro nang mas maaga para maranasan nila ang mas mahaba at mas malusog na panahon ng pahinga.”