<PAGE>
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT III
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
600 DRESHER ROAD
HORSHAM, PENNSYLVANIA 19044
(215) 956-8000
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 497(j)
FILE NO. 333-62811
Pursuant to Rule 497(j) under the Securities Act of 1933 ( the "1933 Act"), the
prospectus dated May 1, 2000 for Pennant Select and the Statement of Additional
Information also dated May 1, 2000 that would have been filed pursuant to Rule
497(c) of the 1933 Act, do not differ from those filed as part of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 3 filed electronically on April 25, 2000.
Penn Mutual Variable Annuity Account III
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
By: /s/ Kenneth J. Kussay
Dated: May 2, 2000 ---------------------
Kenneth J. Kussay
