UPDATE: GCG FILES COMMENT BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT

Our petition before the Supreme Court has reached another important stage.

The Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) has submitted its Comment on our Petition. In its filing, GCG sets out its position opposing the relief sought by the petitioners, raising both procedural and substantive arguments concerning EO 203, EO 36 and EO 150, including the October 5, 2021 cutoff under EO 150.

Among other things, GCG argues that the petitioners, having retired before the effectivity of EO 150, cannot claim benefits under that issuance. It also raises questions concerning the availability of the remedies invoked in our Petition, including whether mandamus may properly be used where the claimed right depends upon the Court's determination of the constitutional validity of EO 36.

It is important to emphasize that the GCG Comment is the position of one of the respondents—not a ruling of the Supreme Court. Our case remains pending before the Court.

Our legal counsel has reviewed the development and has advised us that, at this stage, we should await further instructions or action from the Supreme Court. Accordingly, we will respect the judicial process and refrain from speculating on the outcome while the Court considers the issues before it.

Our petitioners maintain that the issues raised are not merely about the retroactive application of EO 150. At the heart of the case are questions concerning the legal and constitutional consequences of EO 36's suspension of the compensation framework established under EO 203, and the subsequent treatment of retirees who had already separated from government service before EO 150 took effect.

We recognize that these are complex legal questions that ultimately belong to the Supreme Court to resolve.

For the 183 petitioners and the many supporters who have stood with us, this remains a matter of seeking fairness and equal treatment under the law.

We are grateful to everyone who has supported the petition, shared our story, and helped bring this issue to public attention.

The case is still pending. The Court has not yet ruled. We continue to wait, with hope and respect for the judicial process.

🙏 We ask for your continued support, prayers, and patience as we await the Supreme Court's next action.

183 Retirees. One Appeal for Justice.

May the Supreme Court hear our case fairly and decide according to the Constitution and the law. ⚖️🙏