PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure establishing a retirement benefit system in the Office of the Ombudsman.
Republic Act (RA) 11029, otherwise known as the Retirement Law of the Office of the Ombudsman, augments the retirement benefits of anti-graft office's officials and employees.
The law, signed by Duterte on August 17, covers the Ombudsman and his deputies, the special prosecutor, and all officials and employees of the anti-graft body from Salary Grade 26 to 29.
Under RA 11029, the Ombudsman who has served a full term of seven years would enjoy the same retirement and other benefits as those of the presiding justice of the Court of Appeals (CA).
The Ombudsman's deputies and the special prosecutor serving a seven-year term would enjoy the same retirement and other benefits as those of an Associate Justice of the CA.
All other officials and employees would enjoy the same retirement and other benefits as those of the judges of the trial courts.
RA 11029, which was released by MalacaƱang on Monday, August 20, is a consolidation of House Bill 6578 and Senate Bill 1762 passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on May 30,2018. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)