Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1505

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Florida P. Robes

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Filipino culture traditionally expects children to look after elderly parents.
Unfortunately, many of our senior citizens are still taking care of their children and
grandchildren, and would do anything to provide for their family’s needs. In many
public markets in the country, you would see old and aged women selling all kinds of
stuffs, not for their survival, but to provide for their families which are usually
extended. Stories about old women peddling their dignity symbolize the lack of
opportunities for them. Older men are forced to be involved in drug pushing or other
petty crimes to earn a living, Others choose to continue to find means of livelihood
because they do not want to depend on dole outs and charities.

In fact, the aging population is a serious concern for a developing country like
the Philippines. Unfortunately, there are no job opportunities for the elderly to be
employed. Republic Act No. 9257 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003
provides that the government shall provide information and matching services to
enable senior citizens who have the capacity and desire to work, or be re-employed to
be productive members of the society. A recently passed law, Republic Act No 10911,
prohibits discrimination against any individual in employment on account of age.
‘These laws aim to respond to the need to empower the elderly. However, employers
will still have the discretion in hiring them depending on the needs as there are
stringent rules to be followed and be complied with. Even if you put aside the age
requirement, there are other criteria that senior citizens applying for any job may not
be able to comply at all because most of the available jobs tend to cater to younger
people. Without a specific employment program designed for the elderly, these laws
can be rendered futile. Hence, the policy objective of this proposal is to mandate both
public and private institutions to design, formulate or institutionalize an
employment program where our senior citizens can be tapped.


But why hire senior citizens when you can hire younger ones? Will this
proposal take away employment opportunities for the younger generation? I strongly
believe that if we provide our senior citizens avenues where they can still be active,
our society will be at an advantage. To genuinely achieve development, we should
adopt a holistic approach where no one is left behind by tapping into that "wealth of
experience". Elderly employees are more emotionally matured, more independent,
competent, skilled and dedicated. Just like a popular saying in Singapore, a country
which recognizes and values the elderly, “Live till old, learn till old.” I take this as my
inspiration for this proposal.

Considering the aforementioned, the passage of this proposal into law is
earnestly sought.

FLORA P. ROBES


Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1505

HOUSE BILLNO.

Introduced by Representative Florida P. Robes

AN ACT INSTITUTING AN ELDERLY EMPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy ~ It is hereby a declared policy of the
State to promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and
independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that
provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of
living and improved quality of life. As such, the State shall promote the welfare of
elderly persons by taking comprehensive measures that are designed to secure and
stabilize employment opportunities for them.

SEC. 2. Objective. The primary objective of this Act is to motivate and
encourage senior citizens or the elderly to continue contributing to the betterment of
this country by giving them full support to improve their total well-being and to
recognize the integral role they play as part of the Philippine Society.

SEC. 3. Elderly Employment. - All government agencies and private
corporations shall be mandated to institute an employment program that will ensure
the employment of senior citizens who have the qualifications, capacity, and interest
to be employed. Employment opportunities for the elderly shall include but not
limited to clerical or secretarial works, consultancy, cleaning or janitorial services,
event organizing, teaching, kitchen help, sales assistance, call center jobs, and such
other jobs or volunteer works that may not be detrimental to their physical well-
being.

A task force that will look into the employability of senior citizens shall be
created under the auspices of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)


and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to redesign jobs and human resource
systems suitable to them. Furthermore, DOLE, in coordination with other
government agencies such as, but not limited to, the Technology and Livelihood
Resource Center (TLRC) and the Department and Trade and Industry (DTD), shall
assess, design and implement training programs that will provide skills and welfare
or livelihood support for senior citizens.

SEC. 4. Incentives to Private Entities. — The incentives as provided
under Republic Act No. 9257 to private entities that will employ senior citizens shall
be entitled to an additional deduction from their gross income, equivalent to fifteen
percent (15%) of the total amount paid as salaries and wages to senior citizens
subject to the provision of Sec. 34 of the National Internal Revenue Code, as
amended: Provided, however, That such employment shall continue for a period of at
least six (6) months: Provided further, that the annual income of a senior citizen does
not exceed the poverty level as determined by the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA) for that year.

Sec. 5. Monitoring and Evaluation. The DOLE and CSC shall monitor
and evaluate the employment programs for senior citizens annually.

SEC 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOLE and the CSC,
in consultation with both public and private institutions, shall formulate the
guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - Section 5, paragraph (a) of Republic Act No.
9257 is hereby amended. Also, all other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,