House Approves Expanded Senior Citizens Privileges
The House of Representatives has passed on its third and final reading a landmark bill aimed at broadening the scope of senior citizens’ privileges and benefits. The measure, which garnered 177 affirmative votes on June 5 during the plenary session, seeks to expand protections and discounts for the elderly.
Known as House Bill No.11400, this substitute legislation consolidates 24 separate measures filed during the 19th Congress. It proposes amendments to Republic Act No.7432, also called the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” to better support senior citizens in various aspects of daily life.
Key Benefits and Discounts Expanded
HB No.11400 redefines several terms, including medicines, food supplements, private commercial establishments, and parking fees, to clarify the application of discounts. It ensures that senior citizens receive a 20 percent discount not only on medicines, food supplements, and vitamins but also on health professional fees, golf and country club memberships, transport network services, and toll fees on skyways and expressways.
Moreover, the bill introduces a 15 percent discount on monthly electricity and water usage, provided consumption stays below 200 kilowatt-hours and 50 cubic meters, respectively. However, the billing must be registered under the senior citizen’s name to qualify.
Additional Financial and Travel Privileges
The measure also grants an 8.5 percent discount on the purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities. Additionally, it allocates a P25,000 death benefit to the nearest surviving relative of a deceased senior citizen, with adjustments based on inflation.
Importantly, HB No.11400 exempts senior citizens from the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVR or color-coding scheme) when driving or being transported in a vehicle. They must present valid identification at the time of apprehension. Parking fee exemptions are also granted in both private and government establishments upon presentation of senior citizen ID cards.
Promotional Discounts and Tax Deductions
Senior citizens can avail themselves of either the promotional discount offered by establishments or the discounts provided by law—whichever is higher. Businesses granting these discounts may claim them as tax deductions based on the cost of goods sold or services rendered, following proper documentation and tax code provisions.
Government Agencies to Implement the Law
The bill tasks several government bodies, including the National Commission of Senior Citizens, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, and others, to formulate the necessary rules and regulations to ensure effective implementation.
Local leaders noted, “This measure will greatly uplift the welfare of our elderly, ensuring they receive deserved benefits and respect.”
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