Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has welcomed the signing of Republic Act 12181, a new law that adjusts the monthly pensions of retired Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) personnel — a move he said that was long overdue.

Go, one of the authors of the measure, described it as a necessary step to honor the decades of service of career diplomats who often served far from home, quietly helping shape the country’s international relations.

“Serving in government is never easy — especially for our diplomats who spend years away from their families and the country,” Go said in Filipino. “That’s why it’s only right that we look after their welfare after their service.”

Under RA 12181, qualified DFA retirees will receive a monthly pension based on the current salary schedule for active DFA employees of the same rank. The law introduces a Monthly Pension Differential (MPD) that aligns retirees’ benefits with present-day standards.

The adjustment factor will initially be set at 50 percent, with a review scheduled after five years to allow for future adjustments based on inflation and economic conditions.

“This isn’t just about money,” Go emphasized. “It’s about recognizing and respecting the quiet sacrifices of those who had represented the Philippines abroad.”

Go, who has long championed the welfare of public servants, said supporting government workers shouldn’t stop when they retire.

“When they come home from their service, we shouldn’t forget them. Supporting them after retirement is our way of saying thank you,” he said.

RA 12181 is consistent with Go’s legislative agenda, which includes social protection and wage reform. He also filed Senate Bill No. 2504, known as the Salary Standardization Law VI, which seeks to increase the salaries of civilian government employees. This follows his role as co-author of the current SSL 5 law passed in 2019.

Previously, as vice chair of the Commission on Appointments Committee on Foreign Affairs, Go reminded diplomats that their top priority should be the welfare of Filipinos abroad — not just meeting with dignitaries.

“For me, your most important role is to look after Filipinos in your host countries,” he said. “You are the extension of our government, and your service should be available to everyone — anytime, anywhere.”

Go urged the Philippine embassies and consulates to be accessible, especially to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in distress.

“Your offices must be open to ordinary Filipinos and OFWs with nowhere else to turn,” he said. “Be there when they need help. Listen to their concerns and act immediately.”