MANILA, Philippines --- A bill seeking to lower the optional retirement age for government workers from 60 to 56 was approved by the House of Representatives, voting viva voce, on second reading on Wednesday. House Bill No. 206 was principally authored by Makabayan bloc lawmakers --- Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel. It was consolidated with 12 other similar bills. Preconditions for early retirement If enacted into law, it will amend the provision in the Government Service Insurance Act of 1997 that sets requirements on who can be eligible for optional early retirement. Other preconditions, like ...Keep on reading: Bill on lower optional retirement age for gov’t workers passes 2nd reading