BENGUET Representative Ronald Cosalan’s amendment to the Labor Code has been approved making retirement age for surface mine workers set when they reach the age of 50.
Signed by President Benigno Aquino III on April 8, Republic Act No. 107571 or An Act Reducing the Retirement Age of Surface Mine Workers from 60 to 50 years was approved and will soon take effect.
The bill and its related amendments was passed by Congress July 27, 2015 and approved by Senate on December 14 and adopted by the House as amendment to House Bill (HB) 4271 last January 19. HB 4271 was authored by Cosalan.
“The State recognizes the vulnerability of miners due to the presence of innumerable harmful elements in their profession leading to more serious health problems,” RA 107571 said.
The law amends the retirement article under the Labor Code. It said both underground and surface miners should have served at least five years before they may retire and be entitled to all the retirement benefits provided by the Code.
Surface mine workers will only include mill plant workers, electrical, mechanical and tailings pond personnel.
Within 30 days of the effectivity of RA 107571, the Labor Secretary and president of the Social Security System will promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its implementation.