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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE    ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES      ) 
Second Regular Session      
 ) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
H.B. NO. _____ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE EMMARIE “LOLYPOP” OUANO-
DIZON 
AN ACT  
REQUIRING ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE PRIORITY SEATING 
FOR THE ELDERLY, FURTHER AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9994, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “EXPANDED 
SENIOR CITIZENS ACT” 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens 
Act” was enacted to increase the benefits and privileges of senior citizens. This 
enactment has since been very beneficial to the elderly sector of our society. 
This bill seeks to further strengthen R.A. 9994 and afford our elderly yet 
another privilege that they rightfully deserve. It requires establishments to reserve 
and designate seats, and tables (if applicable), for senior citizens. Furthermore, it 
provides penalties for the violations thereof. 
In recognition of the invaluable contributions of the elderly in nation-
building, it is only right and just to provide privileges for them.  
Hence, the early approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
EMMARIE “LOLYPOP” OUANO-DIZON 
August 23, 2023
8:30 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE EMMARIE “LOLYPOP” OUANO-
DIZON 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE PRIORITY SEATING 
FOR THE ELDERLY, FURTHER AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9994, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “EXPANDED 
SENIOR CITIZENS ACT” 
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 “Priority Seating for the 
Elderly Act of 2023”. 
Section 2. A new section is inserted after Sec. 5 of R.A. No. 9994, otherwise known 
as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act” to read as follows: 
“Sec. 6. Priority Seating for the Elderly. – All establishments, including, 
but not limited to, restaurants, libraries, recreational centers, venue halls, shall 
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reserve and designate the best possible seats, and tables (if applicable), for 
senior citizens. 
 
 
The priority seat, and table (if applicable), shall be clearly labeled to 
indicate that other customers/clients may use them but must vacate them if they 
are needed by an elderly: Provided, that customers/clients who are pregnant or 
persons with disabilities shall be exempted from this provision.” 
 
Section 3. A new paragraph is inserted in Sec. 7 of R.A. 9994 to read as follows: 
 
 
“Sec. 10. Penalties. – Any person who refuses to honor the senior citizen card 
issued by this government or violates any provision of this Act shall suffer the 
following penalties: 
(a) x x x 
(b) x x x 
(c) x x x 
 
Any establishment which fails to comply with Sec. 6 of this act, shall upon 
conviction, pay a fine of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P50,000.00) to ONE 
HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P100,000.00).” 
 
Section 4. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason any part or provision of this Act 
is declared invalid and unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not 
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
Section 5. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules 
and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
Section 6. Effectivity. – The Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,