Koa SES

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manis

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No.__7194

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING SENIOR CITIZENS FREE MOVIE ACCESS TO ALL MOVIE
‘THEATERS NATIONWIDE AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Senior citizens play an important role in every Filipino family and are
very much valuable members of society. It is only just that the State
recognize their invaluable contributions to nation-building and support
them and their well-being especially during their twilight years.

The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 grants additional benefits
and special privileges to senior citizens. Yet, more local government units
were able to take their support for the elderly up a notch by introducing free
movie access for senior citizens with respect to improving their productivity
and well-being.

This bill seeks to provide the elderly greater support in raising and
developing their cultural awareness and uplifting their spirits and well-being
by granting free admission of senior citizens to movie theatres nationwide, in
strong coordination with local government units.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly

sought. Je
ALFRED ae


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metra Manila
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7154

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING SENIOR CITIZENS FREE MOVIE ACCESS TO ALL MOVIE
THEATERS NATIONWIDE AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Free Movies for
Senior Citizens Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policies and Objectives. - The 1987
Philippine Constitution declares as policy of the State the promotion of a
just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity of the nation
and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate
social services and an improved quality of life. It further declares under
Article XV, Section 4 that it is the duty of the family to take care of its
elderly members while the State may design programs of social security for
them.

Consistent with these constitutional policies, this Act seeks to achieve
the following objectives:

(a) To recognize the rights of senior citizens and their proper place in
society, not only in terms off health care and related services but
also in the improvement of their well-being and quality of life;


(b) To motivate and encourage senior citizens to contribute to nation-
building through the enhancement of their artistic faculties and
exposure to cultural activities;

(c) To encourage families and communities to reaffirm the Filipino
tradition of valuing and caring for our senior citizens; and

(d) To recognize the important role of the private sector in the
improvement of the welfare of senior citizens and actively seek their
partnership.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following
terms and phrases shall apply:

(a) Free Movie Privilege refers to the absolute privilege granted to
senior citizens under this Act. The term “free” shall mean that fees,
charges, and taxes shall not be imposed.

(b) Movie Theater refers to a theater, cinema or movie house where
films are shown. The commercial operations of this type of
establishment are in the form of selling movie tickets for purchase
of the general public. For purposes of this Act, the term includes
only regular movie theaters, expressly excluding premium
establishments such as 3D, 4D, IMAX, or director’s club theaters
and cinemas. The privilege also does not cover special events such
as sponsored movie premiers, pay per vies showing, and other
similar movie screenings that cater to special productions.

(c) Senior Citizen refers to any resident citizen of the Philippines at
least sixty (60) years old.

SECTION 4. Scope and Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all movie
theaters in the country and may be availed of by all senior citizens
nationwide.

SECTION 5. Free Movie Privilege; Availment and Non-transferability. -
The free movie privilege shall be non-transferable and exclusively given to
senior citizens upon their personal presentation of duly issued Senior
Citizens Identification (ID) Card. Allowing another person to use one’s ID
shall result in the revocation of the free movie privilege under this Act.

Senior Citizens shall be entitled once a week to the free movie privilege
unless the movie theater where they seek admission to has extended the free


movie privilege more than once a week. Every free movie access ticket shall
be valid only for a single viewing.

SECTION 6. Local Government Units and Compliance Monitoring of
Movie Theaters. - Local government units (LGUs) in their respective
territorial jurisdiction shall ensure the implementation of this Act in movie
theaters within their localities. Each movie theater shall be required to
provide an official monitoring sheet where the senior citizens shall register
and write their full names, signatures, ad Senior Citizen ID number every
time they avail of the privilege. The LGUs shall require movie theaters to
submit such monitoring sheets and other relevant reports as proof of
compliance.

SECTION 7. Penalty Clause. - Any movie theater operator who fails to
comply with the provisions of this Act shall be meted a fine of Twenty
Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) for every violation.

SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of
Interior and Local Government, in consultation with the Department of
Social Welfare and Development and other stakeholders, shall promulgate
the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. The
implementing rules and regulations issued pursuant to this section shall
take effect thirty (30) days after its publication in a newspaper for general
circulation.

SECTION 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the
implementation of this Act shall be charged against those authorized in the
current appropriations of the LGUs. Thereafter, the amount necessary for its,
continued implementation shall be included in the General Appropriations
Act.

SECTION 10. Separability Clause. - If any part, section, or provision of
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts thereof not
affected thereby remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, acts, presidential decrees,
executive orders, administrative orders, rules and regulations, or parts
thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby
modified, amended or repealed accordingly.

SECTION 12. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation.


Approved,