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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSE BILL Nd o o § 2
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Introduced  by  Representatives  Joey  Sarte  Salceda,  Rodolfo  "Ompong"  M.  Ordanes,
Alfelito"Alfel"M.Bascug,YsabelMariaJ.Zamora,MilagrosAquino-Magsaysay,Sergio
C. Dagooc, Erwin T. Tulfo, Mikaela Angela 8. Suansing, Teoderico T. Haresco, Jr., AIlan
U. Ty, Gus S. Tambunting, Mario Vittorio "Marvey" A. Marifio, Lordan G. Suan, Rufus
8. Rodriguez, Wilter Y. Palma, Rosanna "Ria" V. Vel.gara, Jose C. Alvarez, Ron P. Salo,
Ray T. Reyes, Midy N. Cua, Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" R. Luistro, Samuel S. Verzosa, Jr.,
Ambrocio C. Cruz, Jr., Joseph Gilbert F. Violago, Ramon Rodrigo L. Gutierrez, and Dale
8. Corvera
ANACT
RATIONALIZING THE BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES OF SENIOR CITIZENS
AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Recognizing  the  unique  challenges  faced  by  senior  citizens  and  persons  with  disabilities
(PWDs),   this   proposed   measure   seeks   to   consolidate   benefits   and   rationalize   existing
provisions  in  the  laws  governing  their  rights  and  privileges  to  ensure  equitable  access  to
essential  services,  social  welfare,  and  opportunities  for  participation  for  these  vulnerable
sectors of society.
This bill is a product of five (5) joint deliberations of the Committee on Ways and Means, the
Committee  on  Senior  Citizens,   and  the  Special  Committee  on  Persons  with  Disabilities
regarding  the  ;77t„„  prrJpy7./)   ;.#g77r`ry,   in  aid  of  legislation,   into  the   implementation  gaps
regarding  Republic Act No.  7432,  as  amended,  otherwise  known  as  the  "Expanded  Senior
Citizens  Act  of 2003,"  and  Republic  Act  No.  7277,  as  amended,  otherwise  known  as  the
"Magma Carta for Persons with Disability," and policies that provide discounts, incentives, and
tax exemptions for senior citizens and PWDs.
Based  on  reports  gathered  during  the  Joint  Committee  deliberations,  there  are  business
establishments that implement inconsistent senior citizen and PWD discount policies. Instances
abound  where  senior  citizens  and PWDs  are  denied their entitled  discounts,  particularly  in
hotels, lodging, and recreation centers.


The data submitted by the National Commission of Senior Citizens O¢CSC) show that since
September 2022,  the Commission has received  343  complaints involving legal  issues,  and
benefits and discounts. The NCSC reported that these concerns were forwarded by its Legal
Department to the concerned Office for Senior Citizen Affairs and business establishments for
resolution during the hearing on Februny 6, 2024.
Meanwhile, there have also been several complaints filed against various establishments for
denyingdiscountsandbenefitstoPWDs.TheNationalCouncilonDisabilityAffairsOVCDA)
received 154 complaints and inquiries regarding denied discounts in some establishments last
year, while the remaining 27 were related to general inquiries as to the proper application of
discounts.I
Giventheforegoing,thisbillrepresentsasignificantsteptowardspromotingsocialjusticeand
inclusionforseniorcitizensandPWDs.Byrationalizingbenefitsandprivileges,streamlining
processes,  and  fostering  an  inclusive  society,  we  uphold  the  dignity  and  rights  of these
vulnerablegroups,affirmingtheirrigbtfulplaceasvaluedmembersofthecommulty.
As such, the passage of this bill is eamestly sought.
Chairperson, Committee on Persons with Disabilities


REP. MIKAE
U.TY
SUANSING
REp.RthvA#Alv.
4giv
REP. RON P. SALO
REP.
REP.
VERGARA
REP.Tn:a
RICQJJ7. HARESCO, JR.
REP. RIAY T. REYES
RIP. GERVILLE " JINKY BITRICS" R. LUISTRO
REp.de\#c:€Rc=
i,2
REP. RAMON RODRlco:EZ L. GUTIERREZ
tr ir-
REp. MARlo      VITroRIo "MARVEv" A. MARINo


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HouSEBILLNo.10082
Introduced  by  Representatives  Joey  Sarte  Salceda,  Rodolfo  "Ompong"  M.  Ordanes,
Alfelito "Alfel" M. Bascug, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora, Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, Sergio
C. Dagooc, Erwin T. Tulfo, Mikaela Angela 8. Suansing, Teoderico T. Haresco, Jr., Allan
U. Ty, Gus S. Tambunting, Mario Vittorio "Marvey" A. Marifio, Lordan G. Suan, Rufus
8. Rodriguez, Wilter Y. Palma, Rosanna "Ria" V. Vergara, Jose C. Alvarez, Ron P. Salo,
Ray T. Reyes, Midy N. Cua, Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" R. Luistro, Samuel S. Verzosa, Jr.,
Ambrocio C. Cruz, Jr., Joseph Gilbert F. Vlolago, Ramon Rodrigo L. Gutierrez, and Dale
8. Corvera
AN ACT
RATIONALIZING THE BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES OF SENIOR CITIZENS
AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs)
Be  it enacted  by  the  Senate  and the  House  Of Representatives  Of the Ph.IIippines  .ln Congress
as.scmhled:
1                     SECTION  1. J)cc/ar#fz.t)# a/P(J/z.cj;. -It is hereby declared the policy of the state to
2       acknowledge the fundamental rights of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs),
3       ensuring their equal access to government services,  discounts, and privileges,   in recognition
4       of their invaluable contribution to society.
5                     The state shall promote inclusivity,  equity, and accessibility to goods and services so
6       that  senior  citizens  and  PWDs,  through  standardized  benefits  and  incentives,  are  afforded
7       adequate social services, decent standard ofliving, and improved quality of life.
8                   SEC. 2. Privileges f or senior citizens tind pwDs. -Senior citizens and pwDs shall
9       beentitledtothefollowing:
10              (a)  Twenty  percent  (20%)  discount  and  exemption  from  the  value-added  tax  (VAT),  in
11                     addition  to   any  prevailing  promotional   offer   or   discount   extended   by   business
12                     establishments, upon presentation of a valid identification card verifying the status of
13                     the senior citizen or PWD;


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(b) Twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the VAT from the payment of
initial rate for parking fees or charges in all establishments with public parking facilities
such as malls, hospitals, hotels, and other similar places;
(c)  The grant of fifteen percent (15%) discount relative to the monthly utilization of water
and electricity supplied by public utilities: Prov7.cfec7, That the individual meters for the
foregoing utilities are rectstered in the nanie of the senior citizen or PWD residing
therein: Prov7.cJecJ, /2Irffeer That the monthly consumption does not exceed one hundred
kilowatt  hours   (100   kwh)   of  electricity   and  thirty   cubic   meters   (30  m3)   of
water: P#ot;].cJecJ, /#rfife7772ore, That the privilege is granted per household regardless of
the number of senior citizens or PWDs residing therein;
(d) Free postal charges on the following:
i.       Article  and  literature  such  as  books  and  periodicals,  orthopedic  and  other
devices, and teaching aids for the use of the senior citizens and the PWD sent
by mail within the Philippines; and
ii.      Aids and orthopedic devices for the disabled sent abroad by mall for repair;
P7iovz.cdec7,  That the aforesaid items  are  for personal  purposes  only:  Prov7.cfec7
/2frfAer, That the senior citizen or PWD is a martinalized individual as certified
by the  Social Welfare and Development Office of the local government unit
concerned or the Department of Social Welfare and Development;
(e) Exemption from training fees for sociceconomic programs; and
®  Additional deduction from the gross income of the employers of senior citizens and
PWDs, equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid as salaries and
wages to senior citizens and PWDs; Provided, that such entities present proof certified
by the DOLE that the senior citizens or PWDs are under their employ.
SEC.  3.   Govem#.emf .dsgisfo#ce.   -  The  government  shall  provide  the  following
26      assistance to senior citizens and pwDs:
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(a) The  Department  of Social Welfare  and Development (DSWD)  shall  grant indigent
senior  citizens  and  PWDs  a  monthly  stipend  amounting  to  Cine  thousand  pesos
(Phpl,000.00)  to augment the  daily  subsistence  and other medical needs  of senior
citizens and PWDs. The DSWD shall, in consultation with the Department of Budget
and Management (DBM) and other perdnent implementing agencies, review and adjust
the amount of the social pension every two (2) years after the effectivity of this Act,
based  on  the  Consumer  Price  Index  (CPI)  published  by  the  Philippines  Statistics
Authority (PSA).
5


1              (b) The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the philHealth, shall provide
2                    free  medical  and  dental  services,  diagnostic  and  laboratory  fees  such  as  x-rays,
3                   computerized tomography scans and blood tests, to indigent senior citizens and pwDs
4                    in all government facilities;
5             (c) The  DSWD,  in  consultation with the Technical  Education and  skills  Development
6                   Authority (TESDA),   shall design and implement training programs that will provide
7                    senior citizens and pwDs with vocational skills to enable them to engage in livelihood
8                    activities or obtain gainful employment; and
9             (d) Local government units shall provide social safety assistance to cushion the effects of
10                    economic shocks, disasters, and calamities among senior citizens and pwDs. The social
11                    safety  assistance which  shall  include  food,  medicines,  and  financial  assistance  for
12                    domicile  repair,   shall  be   sourced  from  the  Local  Disaster  Risk  Reduction  and
13                   Management Fund of LGUs where the senior citizen or PWD resides, subject to the
14                    guidelines to be issued by the DSWD.
15                  SEC. 4. EGotJ PH sxper 4p. -The Department of Information and communications
16      Technology  (DICT)  shall  incorporate  a dedicated  section within the  eGov  PH  Super App
17      platform  specifically  designed  for  Senior  Citizens  and  PWDs,  which  shall  include  the
18       following:
19                    (a) access to various government services, including healthcare and social services;
20                    (b) informational resources on their rights and benefits; and
21                    (c)  a  user-ffiendly  interface  with  adjustable  text  sizes,  voice  assistance,  and  other
2 2                           accessibility features.
23                   The eGov PH SuperApp shall serve as an alternative means for Senior Citizens and
24      PWDs to apply for their identification cards (IDs) and access any government services.
25                   Senior citizens and pwDs may continue to avail of government services and assistance
26      throuch their respective local government units.
27                   To ensure the implementation of this Section, the DICT shall assign an Information
28      Officer who shall ensure that the IcT systems for senior citizens and pwDs are developed,
29      implemented, secured, and compliant with standards set by the DICT, and in accordance with
30      relevant laws, rules, and regulations, including Republic Act No.10173, otherwise known as
31       the "DataprivaeyAct of2012."
32                   SBC. 5. Alterneitiwe Idenf ty weri!f roation systemf tor senior citizens o[nd pwDs. -For
33       Senior citizens and pwDs who do not possess the necessary IDs or carmot personally access
34      the  eGov  PH  SuperApp  upon  availment  of benefits  and  discounts  in  establishments,  an
6


1       alternative identity verification system shall be used to facilitate the grant of discounts and
2      benefits. The alternative identity verification process shall include the following methods:
3                   (a) personal  identification through relevant infomation,  such as  fiull  rmme,  date  of
4                          birth, address, or any other identifiable detalls available within the eGov PH Super
5                          App database, validated throuch personal inquiry by authorized personnel; or
6                   (b) biometric verification methods, including fingerprint scanning or facial recognition,
7                          to confirm the identity of the senior citizen and PWD.
8                   S;EC. 6. Threshold of Discounts f tor Basic Necessities o[nd pri:Iine corrlmodities. -The
9      total amount of discounted purchases of senior citizens and pwDs for basic necessities and
10      prime commodities shall not exceed the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred pesos (Php
11       2,500) per calendar week without cany over of the unused amount: Provi.cJecJ, That the said
12      amount shall be spent on items commensurate to the personal and exclusive consumption of
13      the senior citizen or PWD: Prov7.dec7,/#r/feer, That said amount shall be adjusted by the DSWD
14      every five (5) years to its present value using the CPI, as published by the PSA.
15                    SEC. 7. rue 4dml.#istr¢tl!.o". -The Bureau of lnternal Revenue (BIR) shall establish a
16      monitoring  mechanism  which  records  transactions  of business  establishments  involving
17      discounted and VAT exempted goods and services availed by senior citizens and pwDs.
18                    SEC. 8. Scparndj./rty cJ¢wSci -If any section, clause, or tern of this Act is held to be
19      illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional, such parts not affected by such declaration shall remain in
20      full force and effect.
21                     SEC. 9. jRepe¢dr.#g cJ¢w#c. -The pertinent provisions of the following laws are hereby
22      repealed, amended, or modified accordinaly:
23                   (a)  Section 4, insofar as applicability of promotional discounts, grant of discount on
24                          utilities, and exemption from training fees is concerned, and section 5, insofar as
2 5                          providing social safety Assistance, and tax deduction granted to private companies
26                          is concerned, of Republic Act No. 9994 or the "Expanded senior citizens Act of
27                              2010;„
28                    (b) Sections 1 and 32, insofar as grant of discount to medical and dental services in all
2 9                          government facilities, and grant of discount to rehabilitation services in government
30                          hospitals  and  hither  discount  granted  by  the  commercial  establishment  are
31                           concerned, of Republic Act No.10754, entitled ``An Act Expanding the Benefits
3 2                           and privileges of persons with Disability;"
7


1                    (c)  Sections 9 and 24, insofar as providing vocational Rehabilitation, and grant of free
2                          postal charges of Republic Act No. 7277 otherwise known as the "Magma carta for
3                          Persons with Disability are concerned;" and
4                    (d) Section 2 (h)(1) of Republic Act No.11916, entitled "An Act Increasing the social
5                         Pension of Indigent senior citizens and Appropriating Funds therefor, amending
6                          for the purpose Republic Act No. 7432."
7                   All other laws, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof, which are
8      inconsistent  with  the  provisions  of this  Act,  are  hereby  repealed,  amended,  or  modified
9      accordintly.
10                    SEC.10. EJffec&.vrty c/¢wfe. This Act shall take effect after fifteen ( 15) days following
11       its complete publication in the official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
12                   Approv ed,
8