Military and uniformed personnel (MUP) officials gathered for the first ever Inter-Agency Summit of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers on June 30, 2023 at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters in Camp Crame to discuss the proposed MUP pension reform with the economic team.

Over one hundred executives and representatives of the non-commissioned officers of the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) attended the event.

“This historic occasion marks a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of excellence and collaboration in safeguarding our nation. In our pursuit of public safety, we must embrace a holistic approach that will transcend the confines of our individual agencies,” said Police Executive Master Sergeant Louie S. Makilan.

The economic team, represented by Deputy Treasurer Erwin D. Sta. Ana, discussed the working pension system proposal and opened the floor for questions, suggestions, and concerns.

The event marks the 16th consultation meeting that the economic team has held in pursuit of a fair and sustainable pension system that will safeguard the interests of the MUPs and all stakeholders.

The economic team emphasized that the proposed MUP pension reform, which is a priority measure of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., is an investment on peace and security.

During the discussion, MUPs raised questions on the government’s ability to pay for their pensions. Deputy Treasurer Sta. Ana dispelled rumors of a fiscal crisis and explained the urgent need to adopt an improved pension system in order to avoid future complications.

“There is no fiscal crisis now, but in the long run, we have data that the government cannot sustain [the pension fund]. The government will make sure that it is ready to pay pension liabilities. That is why we have to reform it now,” Deputy Treasurer Sta. Ana said.

On the same day, the economic team held a separate consultation with the BuCor in Muntinlupa City.

Representatives from the Office of Senator Jinggoy Estrada attended the meetings to take note of MUPs’ inputs to the administration bill.

Furthermore, the results of the soon-to-be-released Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) actuarial study will serve as the basis for crafting a proposal that is data-dependent and consistent with present market conditions.

Pursuant to a directive from President Marcos, all pension fund systems are being reviewed.