By Sunday Punch
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday encouraged lawmakers to find avenues that would allow retired Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials to continue serving the country, highlighting the value of their diplomatic knowledge and experiences.
Speaking during the Senate’s final reading of Senate Bill No. 2863 on January 14, Cayetano underscored that while the bill addresses pension differentials for retired DFA personnel aged 65 and above with at least 15 years of service, it only solves part of a bigger challenge: making the best use of the expertise these officials bring after years of global engagement.
“Ambassadors are assigned all around the world, meeting scientists, biggest businessmen, diplomats, presidents, kings, poorest of the poor, richest of the rich,” Cayetano said in his manifestation. “Pag-retire nila, many of them still want to help our country. Pero ano ang venue?”
Senate Bill No. 2863 seeks to provide additional pension benefits to long-serving DFA personnel. Cayetano, who served as the country’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2018, emphasized that older diplomats have fostered extensive networks and cultural understanding through various overseas postings. The senator proposed creating legislative measures—such as government-supported think tanks or advisory councils—where these retirees can share institutional knowledge and diplomatic insights.
“While this bill is much deserved, and is needed, I think it’s just one piece of the puzzle,” he said, suggesting further initiatives to fully utilize the capabilities of retired diplomats. “Nandiyan na sila, waiting lang kung ano ang susunod na yugto para sa ating mahal na bansa.”
Historically, the Philippine Foreign Service has played a crucial role in representing the country’s interests abroad, negotiating treaties, and cultivating bilateral and multilateral relationships. Retired ambassadors, consuls general, and career officials often retain diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with partner nations. Some countries, such as Japan and Singapore, maintain formal advisory bodies of retired diplomats to offer counsel and strengthen foreign policy decisions.
Cayetano expressed gratitude to his fellow senators for supporting the measure, noting that the future steps to involve retired DFA officials could further boost the Philippines’ global engagement. The legislation, once harmonized with a counterpart measure in the House of Representatives, is expected to enhance both the welfare of retired diplomats and the country’s efforts to maintain a strong international presence.