BFP leadership open to MUP pension reforms as economic team debunks reform myths

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) leadership, led by Fire Chief Louie S. Puracan has expressed openness to the creation of a sustainable pension fund for the military and uniformed personnel (MUP). This declaration was made during the economic team’s 21st consultative meeting held on July 4, 2023, at the BFP Headquarters in Quezon City.

More than 40,000 BFP officers and personnel attended the hybrid meeting to listen to the economic team’s proposals and share their suggestions regarding the legislation. The event was also live-streamed, attracting 37,000 viewers.

Fire Chief Puracan stressed that “the BFP leadership supports the military and uniformed personnel pension reform” and emphasized the moral obligation to contribute towards the welfare of the country.

“Part of the proposed reform is to contribute funds…in order for it to be sustainable. We must do our share by supporting the administration’s program as we will be reaping [the benefits] when the right time comes,” Fire Chief Puracan added.

Under the proposed pension system, MUPs will be required to contribute a portion of their salaries as a form of savings, which will be supplemented by the government.
National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon highlighted that this reform is specifically designed for the benefit of MUPs, ensuring the availability of funds for their pensions in the future.

“Ang ganitong klaseng reporma ay hindi para sa National Government, kung hindi para sa mga MUPs. With this contribution mas makakasiguro na mayroong pondong mailalaan para sa inyong pensions later on at ito po maibabalik sa inyo kasama ng contribution ng National Government,” National Treasurer De Leon explained.

To fulfill the financial requirements necessary to maintain the non-diminution of benefits for MUPs, the government will act as a co-contributor alongside the MUPs for their pension fund.

National Treasurer De Leon reassured the uniformed personnel that the pension reform will not have a negative impact on their benefits. She emphasized that the current benefit system will remain intact and unaffected. “With the contributions na mandatory na po ngayon, mas magiging mabuti para sa ating MUP dahil mayroon nang isang