Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla (File photo)
MANILA – Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11643, which grants benefits to dependents of deceased public prosecutors who had retired or were eligible to retire.
Under the law, the family of qualified prosecutors who died on or after Feb. 8, 2021, shall now be eligible to receive survivorship benefits, which cover all accrued retirement benefits that a deceased prosecutor ought to have received if he or she was still alive.
Signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in January 2022, RA 11643 refers to "dependent" as a legitimate, illegitimate, or legally adopted child who is chiefly dependent on the deceased member of the National Prosecution Service (NPS).
They should be aged 21 years or younger, unmarried, and not gainfully employed, or regardless of age, incapable of self-support because of any mental or physical defect or condition.
The benefit covers all qualified family members of public prosecutors from the Office of the Secretary of Justice Prosecution Staff to regional, provincial, and city prosecution offices.
Survivorship benefits will automatically increase with any salary and allowance adjustments granted under the law.
"In a career fraught with stress from high caseloads amid challenging environments, not to mention the inherent hazards of the job, the law offers a measure of social protection for the surviving heirs of public prosecutors who will find themselves orphaned by their breadwinner," Remulla said. (PNA)
