by Arabella Balderama

Senators Bong Go, Mark Villar, Francis Tolentino, and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa proposed to grant additional benefits to former presidents through Senate Bill No. 1784, as they fulfill their “post-presidential duties”.

The explanatory note of the said bill stated that the former presidents of the Philippines still represent the country to a certain degree, expecting them to give their perceptions on crucial national issues.

“Despite the end of their term, they are also expected to perform post-presidential duties such as meeting with foreign and local dignitaries and attending public events and other social engagements. These duties often require them to employ the services of personal staff and maintain private offices,” it added. 

According to Senator Go, the “special assistant” to former chief executive Rodrigo Duterte, even after their terms, presidents still “serves and sacrifices for the country,” hence threats in their lives still prevail.

If the bill is passed into law, all previous presidents will be entitled to advantages including personal security, office space, and adequate staff provided by the Office of the President, in addition to the life pension and franking privilege granted through the Republic Act No. 5059. 

The bill also stipulated that these past presidents would be included in the General Appropriations Act by the Department of Budget and Management, which determines the annual national budget.

Duterte, along with Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are the only living former presidents at present.

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