MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday said the distribution of survivorship benefits to the first batch of families of deceased retired prosecutors under Republic Act (RA) No. 11643 has proceeded successfully.
In a statement, the DOJ said around 25 qualified beneficiaries received their survivorship benefits in the form of checks covering the period from Jan. 1 to July 31, 2024 under the Act Granting Survivorship Benefits to the Surviving Legitimate Spouse and Dependent Children of a Deceased Retired Member of the National Prosecution Service (NPS).
Under RA 11643, the family of qualified prosecutors 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 were still alive.
DOJ Department Circular 038 series of 2023 provides that claims may only be filed by the legitimate surviving spouse, dependent child/children of the qualified prosecutor, or legal guardian or duly authorized representative of the qualified beneficiary/ies pursuant to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 11643.
The IRR was signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Oct. 27, 2023.
The DOJ said the IRR reflects the unwavering efforts of the current Marcos administration to provide an adequate and just compensation to government prosecutors whose duties and functions were filled with so much stress and risk.
"We always address our fellow workers in the DOJ as 'family.’ Justice dictates that we materialize the same by extending our respect, love and support to their orphaned family members. Our commitment to honoring our prosecutors goes beyond life, considering they have sacrificed so much in the administration of the criminal justice system,” Remulla said.
Under the IRR, claims may be filed before the Personnel Division of the DOJ or any Regional, Provincial, or City Prosecution Office nearest to the beneficiaries’ actual residence upon completion of documentary requirements and necessary forms.
Electronic filing is encouraged for early evaluation purposes only, as the original and/or certified true copy of the documentary requirements must be filed.
The receiving office shall pre-assess the completeness of the documents presented and after proper validation, endorse them to the Government Service Insurance System. Approved survivorship claims shall be paid to the qualified beneficiaries upon the release of funds by the Department of Budget and Management. (PNA)
Comments