The number of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel submitting applications for optional retirement is on the rise.
This surge follows the proposed MUP Reform or the Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension System.
According to PNP records, as of mid-2023, a total of 1,793 PNP personnel have already filed applications for optional retirement. The increasing figure is attributed to the apprehensions of these officers about the potential impact on their pension and monthly salaries.
PNP Spokesperson PCOL Jean Fajardo stated that the members are concerned about the proposed changes in the pension system, which may affect their future earnings and financial security.
“We must admit that there are many police officers who were doubtful in supporting the new MUP pension scheme because it will create a substantial decrease in the take-home pay of the current personnel to contribute to their pension. Some availed of early retirement,” Fajardo told reporters on Wednesday.
Last year, a total of 2,449 PNP personnel retired from the service.
Despite this, Fajardo reassured that the overall personnel count would not be significantly affected, given the PNP's high recruitment quota.
“[But] the PNP as a whole will not be affected by this, as these are addressed immediately by our attrition quota requirements,” she added.
Under the proposed new pension system, active service personnel will experience a 5% reduction in their monthly salaries for the pension fund, while those who have recently entered the service will face a 9% deduction.
