MAY 1, 2016

NR # 4187B

Bill seeking opportunities for retiring AFP personnel pushed

Party-list lawmakers have filed a bill to open opportunities for retirees as civilian
professionals after their service at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
House Bill 5935 or the Military Transition System Act proposed by MAGDALO
Party-list Reps. Gary C. Alejano and Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo seeks to provide
competent men and women of the AFP opportunities for high value jobs after their
military service.
Under Presidential Decree 1650, military personnel are required to retire from
service at the age of fifty-six.
Acedillo and Alejano pointed out that the productivity of the military personnel
extends beyond their age of retirement. It would be beneficial if they will be given the
chance to render their skills and expertise as civilian professionals, according to the bills
authors.
Their continued employment would help generate income and tax revenues which
the government can use to fund programs for basic services. This would also provide
smooth transition between sectors and offer active personnel of the military employment
opportunities after their service in the AFP, said Acedillo.
The bill covers all active uniformed military personnel from all branches of the AFP
as stipulated under Presidential Decree No. 1638.
The AFP, together with the concerned agencies shall establish a Military Transition
Board, Higher Education Course and Prior Training Equivalency Program and
Employment Assistance.
The Military Transition System is designed to professionalize the members of the
military and promote career development after their service in the AFP.
A Military Transition System Board shall be created to supervise the academic
equivalency program and over-all implementation of the Act.
It shall submit an annual report to the Congress regarding its operations,
accomplishments and assessment of the implementation of the program.
On the Training Equivalency Program, AFP shall maintain and update periodically a
current curriculum of courses necessary to meet the needs of the military and their
personnel.

Acedillo said the curriculum should provide character and leadership training,
military instruction and other matters pertaining to the required skills and knowledge of
personnels chosen branch of service.
The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) may suggest
additional trainings along with their list of offered trainings given that the AFP identifies
such trainings as beneficial to their personnel and organization.
In terms of the Employment Assistance, the Board shall provide information
concerning labor market information, civilian workplace requirements, employment
opportunities, job analysis procedures, job search and job interview techniques.
The AFP shall also establish Employment Assistance Centers in appropriate military
installations to ensure wider and easier access to the different programs available to their
exiting members. (30) nap