Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 5059)
Every former President of the Philippines is entitled to a life pension under Republic Act No. 5059, provided they were not removed by impeachment and meet certain conditions outlined in the law.
The life pension granted to former Presidents under Republic Act No. 5059 is forty thousand pesos annually, tax-free.
The life pension begins the month following the date the person ceased to be President or from the month following the approval of the Act, whichever is later.
A former President is not entitled to the life pension if he was removed by impeachment or if he has been elected to any national office or accepted any position of trust or responsibility in the national government that comes with a salary or remuneration.
All mail addressed to a former President for delivery within the Philippines shall be received, transmitted, and delivered free of postage if the envelope or wrapper bears the name of the former President on the left-hand corner.
The franking privilege ceases the moment the former President announces his candidacy for any national office.
Any person who violates the provision on free mail delivery for former Presidents shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred pesos.
There is an annual appropriation from the National Treasury, out of funds not otherwise appropriated, to cover the expenses necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act.
No, this Act was enacted without Executive approval and took effect upon its approval by Congress.
No, the life pension granted under this Act is tax-free.