MANILA – House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio welcomed the committee approval of a proposed measure seeking to lower the optional retirement age of government workers, including public school teachers, from 60 to 56 years old.

The House Committee on Government Enterprises approved on Thursday House Bill No. 207, which seeks to amend Section 13-A of Republic Act No. 8291 or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Act of 1997, which currently sets the optional retirement age at 60.

The measure was co-authored by Tinio and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co.

“The committee approval of HB 207 is an important step toward a more humane retirement policy for teachers and government workers who have devoted their lives to public service,” Tinio said in a news release.

“This bill gives them a real choice to retire earlier at 56, after years of exhausting work that takes a toll physically, emotionally, and psychologically.”

Tinio said the proposal responds to long-standing appeals from teachers, many of whom, he noted, continue working despite illnesses and demanding workloads.

He cited conditions in public schools, including large class sizes, high pupil-to-teacher ratios, and responsibilities that extend beyond regular teaching hours.

He also pointed out that teachers often carry additional tasks such as advisory duties, paperwork, and work that extends even during school breaks.

“Public school teachers often leave the profession not with satisfied smiles but with illnesses. Their retirement benefits end up going to medical bills instead of rest, family needs, or building a small livelihood. Lowering the optional retirement age is a matter of dignity and respect for their years of sacrifice,” Tinio said.

Tinio clarified that the measure does not change the compulsory retirement age but gives government workers the option to retire earlier if they choose.

He urged the House leadership to expedite the measure for plenary approval and called on the Senate to pass a counterpart bill.

“Karapat-dapat lang na mabigyan ng opsyon ang mga guro at kawani ng gobyerno na magretiro nang mas maaga para maranasan nila ang mas mahaba at mas malusog na panahon ng pahinga (It’s only right to give an option to our teachers and government workers to retire earlier for them to experience a longer and healthy time of rest),” he said.