Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 1897)
Republic Act No. 1897 is an act that amends certain provisions of Republic Act No. 340, which established a uniform retirement system for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including provisions for separation and benefits.
The surviving legitimate, adopted, or acknowledged natural children and/or widow of the deceased Armed Forces officer or enlisted man are entitled to receive gratuity benefits.
They may receive either (a) a gratuity payable in one lump sum equivalent to one month's base and longevity pay for each year of service rendered, with a minimum of three months' base and longevity pay, or (b) an annual gratuity pay equivalent to 50% of 2.5% of the annual base and longevity pay for each year of active service, not exceeding 75% of the total base and longevity pay.
No payment shall be made to children after they have attained 21 years of age or have married, nor to the widow if she remarries.
Yes. They may claim benefits under Republic Act No. 610 if such benefits are more advantageous to them.
Active service includes service as commissioned officer or enlisted man of various forces such as the Philippine Constabulary, Army, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Guard, cadet training, recognized guerrilla service, trainee officer-candidate service, reserve officers' service school service, and other specified military services.
They shall be deemed to have been in active service for all purposes of the Act from the date of their graduation if the delay was for reasons not due to their own act or omission.
They may opt to be credited with the same number of years of active service as the graduates of the class next above or within which their names are placed for retirement purposes.
No. Service credited to any integree as provided is not counted in computing gratuity or retirement pay.
No. Retirement is strictly optional for integrees who may choose to retire after completing twenty years of service.