Senior Citizen Exemption from Odd-Even Traffic Scheme Proposed
A lawmaker recently called on the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to exclude senior citizens from the upcoming odd-even traffic scheme on EDSA. This appeal highlights the need to consider the unique challenges faced by the elderly in commuting along the capital’s busiest thoroughfare.
Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes sent separate letters to MMDA Chairman Romando Artes and DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon. He emphasized how the odd-even traffic scheme could affect the mobility and overall welfare of senior citizens who depend heavily on their private vehicles.
Challenges Faced by Senior Citizens in Public Transport
Ordanes pointed out that many elderly individuals rely on private cars to attend essential medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other urgent activities that cannot be easily rescheduled. He explained that using public transportation poses significant difficulties for seniors, especially during extreme weather conditions.
“Unlike the general public, seniors face unique challenges in using public transportation, including physical limitations, vulnerability to accidents, and susceptibility to extreme heat or sudden weather changes,” Ordanes wrote in his letter. This vulnerability underlines the importance of offering exemptions to protect their health and safety.
Legal Support and Practical Measures for Exemptions
The lawmaker argued that granting exemptions aligns with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 9994), which mandates support and protection for senior citizens’ welfare. He described the exemption as “a compassionate and practical measure” that acknowledges these legal protections.
Additionally, Ordanes offered to collaborate with relevant agencies to set up a reliable system for identifying and registering senior citizen drivers and passengers who are qualified for the exemption. This proposal aims to ensure smooth implementation while safeguarding the rights of elderly commuters.
For more news and updates on senior citizen exemption from odd-even traffic scheme, visit Filipinokami.com.
