Manila, Oct. 23 -- The government could defer up to PHP10.74 billion in retirement-related expenditures if Congress raises the compulsory retirement age of police officers, firefighters and jail personnel from 56 to 57, but the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) cautioned Friday that the financial relief would be temporary.

During the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs hearing, DBM Chief Budget and Management Specialist Reynaldo Moreno said the proposed extension could postpone PHP7.34 billion in retirement payouts for the Philippine National Police (PNP), PHP1.72 billion for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and PHP1.68 billion for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The government, however, w...