Pinoy Workers Party-list Rep. Karl Fernandez Legazpi has thrown his support behind a proposed measure seeking to expand retirement and survivorship benefits for judges, saying it would provide greater financial security and protection for members of the judiciary and their families after years of public service.
Legazpi made the statement during a June 1 hearing of the House Committee on Justice, where lawmakers deliberated on a bill that would strengthen retirement benefits for judges, including those who are forced to leave the judiciary early due to illness, disability, or other circumstances beyond their control.
The lawmaker said the measure recognizes the sacrifices and invaluable contributions of judges in upholding the rule of law and delivering justice, while ensuring they receive adequate support when their years of service come to an end.
Drawing from personal experience, Legazpi cited the case of his late father, former RTC Branch 49 Judge Leopoldo Mario Legazpi of Palawan, who was compelled to retire early because of serious health conditions and was unable to benefit from protections similar to those being proposed under the measure.
“My father, Judge Leo Legazpi of RTC Branch 49 in Palawan, suffered many personal illnesses and unfortunately, because of his health condition, he was forced to retire early, but he was not able to avail the privileges that are being pushed for in this bill,” Legazpi said.
He expressed hope that the proposed legislation would spare other judiciary families from experiencing similar hardships.
“Hopefully in the future, when judges suffer the same fate as my father—for reasons of health or because of the risks associated with their work—the benefits that they will receive from this bill will help them continue supporting their families. In case anything happens to them, the judiciary will be able to continue providing support,” he added.
Legazpi said the measure is not only about retirement benefits but also about ensuring dignity, security, and peace of mind for those who dedicate their lives to serving the justice system.
The Pinoy Workers Party-list reiterated its commitment to supporting measures that strengthen the welfare, protection, and benefits of Filipino workers across all sectors.
The bill was authored by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez, Gerville Luistro, Ysabel Maria Zamora, Ramon Jolo Revilla III, Christopherson Yap, and Eric Go Yap. During the committee deliberations, Legazpi also signified his intention to co-sponsor the proposed measure.