House Bill Seeks to Extend PNP Retirement Age to 57

The Philippine National Police (PNP) could soon see a significant change to its retirement policy. A bill recently introduced in Congress seeks to raise the mandatory retirement age from 56 to 57, a move designed to mirror the retirement age in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

With powerful support behind it, including from Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, this measure is expected to pass quickly and strengthen both the PNP and AFP’s collaboration.

Last year, President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 11939 into law, raising the retirement age in the Armed Forces of the Philippines to 57 and amending the fixed terms for top military officials, a move that addressed concerns within the AFP about the previous policy.

The proposed law would increase the mandatory retirement age for PNP personnel by one year, allowing them to remain in service until the age of 57.

House Bill No. 11140, filed on November 26, 2024, was introduced by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, along with Representatives Aurelio ‘Dong’ D. Gonzales, Jr., Manuel Jose ‘Mannix’ M. Dalipe, Marcelino C. Libanan, Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, and Jude A. Acidre.

The idea behind the HB No.11140 is rooted in the success of Republic Act (RA) 11939, which amended RA 11709 in 2023, raising the retirement age for military personnel from 56 to 57.

The bill’s authors argue that since both the AFP and PNP have the shared responsibility of defending the people and the state from threats, it’s only fitting that they have similar retirement policies.

House Speaker Romualdez, a staunch supporter of the bill, emphasized that the policy change would benefit the PNP by allowing experienced officers to remain longer in service, sharing their expertise with younger generations of law enforcement.

The bill also includes a provision allowing high-ranking officers, such as Police Brigadier Generals, Police Major Generals and Police Lieutenant Generals, to extend their service by an additional year with approval from the Commission.

This extension would help ensure that seasoned officers can continue guiding the PNP’s operations.

Given Romualdez’s position as Speaker of the House and the strong support for the bill among lawmakers, it is expected that House Bill No. 11140 will quickly gain traction, pass through Congress, and eventually become law, just as he successfully did with RA 11939.

Follow our updates to stay informed about the latest developments on House Bill No. 11140 and share your thoughts on how this policy change can shape the future of the PNP.