Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 1903)
Republic Act No. 1903 amends Section 10 of Republic Act No. 340, the Armed Forces Retirement Law, to provide retirement or separation benefits for enlisted men or officers below the rank of colonel, including promotions upon retirement or separation.
Enlisted men and officers below the rank of colonel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines are covered under the provisions of this Act for retirement or separation benefits.
They shall be retired or separated one rank or grade higher than the permanent rank or grade they hold provided they have held that higher rank for at least one year at the time of retirement or separation.
An enlisted man or officer who incurred physical or mental disability in line of duty shall be promoted to the next higher rank or grade regardless of whether they have held the grade for one year.
They shall be promoted to the next higher grade or rank from their adjusted or retired grade or rank as per the Act.
No. Separation that is a result of punishment through general or special court martial findings excludes the entitlement to retirement promotion under this Act.
Yes. Separation due to the individual's own misconduct, willful failure, intemperate use of drugs or alcoholic liquor, or vicious or immoral habits disqualifies them from the promotion benefit upon retirement.
No. Those promoted due to their capabilities before retirement do not assume their prior rank when recalled, unlike those promoted one rank by operation of this Act who resume their ranks prior to retirement.
The gratuity or retirement pay and separation pay shall be computed based on the higher rank or grade in which the officer or enlisted man was retired or separated.
The Act took effect from July 26, 1948.