Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
|9th CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSE BiLLNo.     95`58
a
RECEIVED
f     DATENOV   1
'_     T'ME
BY        gel-i
Introduced by HONORABLE MILAGROS AQUINO-MAGSAYSAY
AN ACT ESTABLISHING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING
SENIOR CITIZENS' SECTORAL REPRESENTATION AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL,
INCLUDING  ENABLING MECHANISMS FOR MEANINGFUL ELDERLY PARTICIPATION
IN  NATION-BUILDING
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This   bill   seeks  to   establish   a   senior  citizen   representation   and   participation
mechanism  at  the  community  level  similar  to  the  Sangguniang  Kabataan  (SK)  of the
Filipino youth, which is to be called the "Sangguni.a»g WaAafafar)da".
No less than the fundamental law of the land assures true democracy through the
genuine  participation and  representation  of people,  especially the marginalized sectors.
Section  9,  Art.  X  of  the  1987  Constitution  mandates  that  "legislative  bodies  of  local
governments shall have sectoral representation as may be prescribed by law."
Senior citizens, who comprise a  big percentage of most local communities,  have
not been expressly reserved a sectoral representation in the sanggunians. Thus, it is high
time to  ensure  the  continued  active  participation  of  Filipino  elderly  in  important venues
such  as  local  councils  where  they  can  be  both  "seen  and  heard"  through  legitimate
representation.  It must also  be  noted  that the  participation  of civil  society organizations
have  ensured  greater  accountability  in  governance  and   responsiveness  to  sectoral
concerns. The implementation of local sectoral representation is an important institutional
mechanism for attaining this objective.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly recommended.


Republic of the  Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City,  Metro Manila
Nineteenth Congress
Regular Session
HOUSEBiLLNo.9558
Introduced by Representative Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay
AN ACT ESTABLISHING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING
SENIOR CITIZENS SECTORAL REPRESENTATION AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL,
INCLUDING  ENABLING MECHANISMS FOR MEANINGFUL ELDERLY PARTICIPATION IN
NATION-BUILDING
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
Assembled
SECTION  1.  Ti.i/e. -This Act shall be known as the "Sangguniang Nakatatanda Act of 2023".
SEC.  2. Dec/araf/.on  of Sfafe  Po//.c/.es  and  Ob/.ec fr.ves, -The  State  recognizes  the  vital  role  of
senior citizens in nation-building and thus, promotes and protects their physical, mental, emotional
and social well-being, reawakening in them a sense of patriotism and nationalism that encourages
their involvement in  public and civic affairs.
Towards  this  end,   the   State   shall   establish   adequate,   effective,   responsive  and   enabling
mechanisms and support systems that will ensure the meaningful participation of senior citizens
in  local governance and nation-building.
Consonant with these constitutional principles the following are the declared policies of this Act:
a) to motivate and encourage the senior citizens to contribute to nation-building;
b) to  encourage  their families and the  communities they  live with  to  reaffirm the valued  Filipino
tradition of caring and respect for the senior citizens.
In accordance with these policies, this Act aims to:
1 ) establish  mechanisms whereby the contribution of the senior citizens are maximized;
2) adopt measures whereby our senior citizens are assisted and appreciated by the community
as a whole:


3) establish  a venue for representation and participation  of the senior citizens in the community
that they reside.
SEC. 3. De#n/.fi.on of Terms, -For purposes of this Act, the following terms are hereby defined:
(a) As used in this Act, the term "senior citizen" shall mean any resident citizen of the
Philippines,  sixty (60) years old and above,  including those who have retired from
both government service and private enterprises;
(b)  Commt.ssi.on shall  refer to  the  National  Commission  of Senior Citizens  (NCSC)  created
under Republic Act No.  11350;
(c)  Elderly shall referto older persons in general, usually 60 years old of age and above,
and  already  experiencing  the  same  conditions  of  advanced  age,  chronic  and
degenerative  diseases,   physical  or  mental  disabilities,  economic  or  financial
limitations; "Elderly" wilt be used interchangeably with the term "senior citizens"
for purposes of this Act;
(d)  Loca/ CAi.ef Exec#fr.ve shall refer to the provincial governor, city and municipal mayor;
(e)  Loca/ Govemmenf Operal/.ons Officershall refer to the duly designated head of the office
of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) stationed in the concerned
local government unit;
(f)   Loca/ Sanggunf.an shall refer to the sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod
and sangguniang bayan;
(a)  Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) shall refer to the local office for senior citizens or
elderty sector established in every city or municipality under Republic Act No. 9994;
(tr)  Senior Citizens shall refer to Filipino citizens who are 60 years old and above as defined
in  Republic  Act  No.  9994,  the  Expanded  Senior  Citizens  Act  of  2010;  May  be  used
interohangeably with "elderly" and "older persons" for purposes of this Act;
(i)   Senior  Citizens  Organization  shall  refer to  those  organizations  whose  membership  or
composition consists of and is representative of senior citizens or the elderty sector, duly
registered   with   proper   government   agencies   as   legitimate   associations,   people's
organizations, socio4ivic or Non-Govemmental organization
0.)   Prov/.nc/.a/  Sen/.or  Ct.fy.zens  Affat'rs  Office/shall  refer  to  the  person   duly  appointed  or
designated by the Commission to serve as its agent in the province with the tasks provided
for in this Act or as the Commission may deem necessary; and
(k)  E/derty-SeM.ng   Organ;.zaf7.ons shall   refer   to   those   registered   organizations   whose
principal programs, projects and activities are elderly-oriented and senior citizens~related.
CHAPTER  11
THE KATIPuNAN NG NAKATATANDA AND THE SANGGUNIANG NAKATATANDA
SEC.   4.Kafy.punan   ng  Ivakafafanda.-There   shall   be   in   every   barangay   a   Katipunan   ng
Nakatatanda to  be composed of Filipino citizens residing  in the locality or barangay for at least
six (6) months, who are sixty (60) years of age or above, and who are duly registered in the list of
the  Commission  on  Elections  (COMELEC)  and/or the  records  of the  Office  of Senior  Citizens
Affairs (OSCA) of the city or municipality.
SEC.   5. Powers   and   Functions   of  the   Katipunan   ng   Nakatatanda.-The   Katipunan   r\g
Nakatatanda shall:


(a) Elect the Sangguniang Nakatatanda chairperson and council members; and
(b) Serve as the highest policy-making  body to decide on  matters affecting the senior citizens or
elderly  in  the  barangay.  As  such,  the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  shall  consult  and  secure  the
concurrence  of  the  Katipunan  ng  Kabataan  in  the  formulation  of all  its,  programs,  plans  and
activities.
SEC. 6. Meefings of fbe Kafr.punan ng rvakafafanda. -The Katipunan ng Nakatatanda shall meet
at  least  once  every  six  (6)  months,  or  at  the  call  of  the  chairperson  of  the  Sangguniang
Nakatatanda or upon written petition of at least one-twentieth (1/20) of its members, to decide on
important issues affecting the senior citizens or elderly population of the barangay.
SEC.  7. Creation  and  Election  of  the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda.  -There  shall  be  .in  every
barangay a  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda to be composed of a chairperson  and seven  (7) council
members who  shall  be elected  by the  registered voters of the  Katipunan  ng  Nakatatanda.  The
Sangguniang   Nakatatanda   chairperson/shall,   with   the   concurrence   of  the   majority   of  the
Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  members,  appoint  from  among  the  members  of the  Katipunan  ng
Nakatatanda, a secretary and a treasurer.
SEC.  8. Meefr.ngs of ff}e Sanggrni.ang Ivakafafande. -(a) The  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda shall
meet regularly  once  a  month  on  the  date,  time  and  place  to  be  fixed  by the  said  Sanggunian.
special meetings may be called by the chairperson or any four (4) of its members by giving written
notice  of the  date,  time,  place  and  agenda  of the  meeting,  which  can  be  sent  either through
personal delivery, registered mail, fax or email, to all members, and must be received at least one
(1 ) day in advance. The Sangguniang Barangay and the Muni.a/.pa/ or Ci.fy E/de#y Deye/opmenf
Counc/./ shall  be furnished with  notices of regular and  special  meetings and the  minutes of the
meetings thereafter.
(b) A majority of the members including the chairperson shall constitute a quo"m.
SEC.  9.  Qua/7.froafr.ons. -An  elected  or appointed official of the Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  must
be  a  citizen  of the  Philippines,  a  qualified voter of the  Katipunan  ng  Nakatatanda,  a resident of
the  barangay  for not less than  one  (1) year immediately  preceding  the  day  of the  elections,  at
least sixty (60) years of age on the day of the elections,  able to read and write Filipino,  English,
or the  local  dialect,  must not be  related within  the  second  (2nd) civil  degree of consanguinity or
affinity to  any incumbent elected  regional,  provincial,  city,  municipal,  or barangay official,  in the
locality  where  the  appointive  or elective  official  seeks  to  be  elected,  and  must  not  have  been
convicted    by   final   judgment   of   any   crime    involving    moral   turpitude:Prov/.ded, That   the
Sangguniang  Nakatatanda treasurer and secretary  must be at least sixty (60) years,  physically
and  mentally fit to be able to perform the required tasks and responsibilities of the said positions
or designations: Provt.ted, further, That the Sangguninang Nakatatanda chairperson shall appoint
a   treasurer  with   an   educational   or  career  background   relating   to   business  administration,
accountancy,  finance,   economics,   or  bookkeeping: Prov/.ded, further, That  only  if  no  person
meets the requirements can  the Sangguniang Nakatatanda chairperson consider other suitable
nominees: Provf.ded, furthermore, That the appointed Sangguniang Nakatatanda treasurers shall
be properly secured or bonded to answer for the financial assets to be handled, as well as undergo
a  mandatory  bookkeeping  training from,  and  be  duly certified  by,  the Technical  Education  and
Skills  Development  Authority  (TESDA)  before  assumption  to  office: Provf.ded, finally, That  the


appointed   Sangguniang   Nakatatanda  treasurers  shall   be  prioritized   in   the  allocation  of  the
appropriate TESDA scholarships."
SEC.10. Powers   and    Functions   of   the    Sangguniang   Nakatatanda. -The   Sanggun.iang
Nakatatanda shall:
(a) ln consultation and with the concurrence of the Katipunan ng Nakatatanda, and within
three  (3)  months from their assumption  to  office,  formulate  a  three  (3)-year rolling  plan,
wh.ich  shall be known  as the  Comprehensive  Barangay  Elderly  Development plan
/CBEDP/, which shall serve as basis in  the preparation  of the Annual  Barangay  Elderly
Investment Program. This plan shall be aligned with the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior
C.itiizens (PPAISC), the Philippine Elderly Development Plan (PEDP) and other Local
E/derf/y Deye/opmenf P/an  /LEDP)  in  every  level,  municipal,  city  and  provincial  as  is
relevant;
b)  Approve  the  annual  budget which  is  the  annual  slice  of the Annual  Barangay  Nakatatanda
Investment  Program  before  the  start  of  the  succeeding  fiscal  year  and,  if  the  Sangguniang
Nakatatanda funds allow,  a supplemental budget. Any changes in the annual budget shall be in
accordance with existing applicable budget rules and procedures;
(c) Promulgate resolutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the elderiy in the barangay in
accordance  with  the  Comprehensive  Barangay  Elderly  Development  Plan  (CBEDP)  and  the
applicable provisions of this Act;
(d) Initiate and implement, in coordination with any national government agency and/or any private
or  nongovernment  institution,   programs  and  projects  designed  to  promote  general  welfare,
development and empowerment of the elderiy;
(e)   Hold  fund-raising   activities  which   are   in   line  with   the   Comprehensive   Barangay   Elderiy
Development Plan (CBEDP), the proceeds of which shall be tax-exempt and shall accrue to the
general  fund  of  the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda: Prov/.ded,  however, That  in  the  appropriation
thereof,    the    specific    purpose    for   which    such    activity    has    been    held    shall    be    first
satisfied: Prov7.ded, further, That any  appropriation  thereof shall  be  in  accordance  with  existing
applicable  budget,  accounting  and  auditing  rules  and  regulations,  such  as  those  issued  by the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Commission on Audit (COA);
f)  Create  regular  and  special  committees  and  such  other  bodies  whose  chairpersons  and
members of which shall come from among the members of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda or from
among the members of the Katipunan  ng Nakatatanda, as it may deem necessary to effectively
carry out its programs and activities;
(g)  Submit the  annual  and  end-of-term  program  accomplishments  and  financial  reports  to  the
Sangguniang  Barangay and  present the same during the Katipunan  ng  Nakatatanda assembly,
copy  furnished  the  Office  of  the  Local  Government  Operations  Officer  and  Loca/  E/deHy
Deve/opmenf Counc/./ /LEDC/, all in accordance with the prescribed form by the DILG and the
Commission;
(h) Partnerwith the LEDC in planning and executing projects and programs of specific advocacies
like good governance, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and  resiliency,  e/derf/y


employment and  livelihood,  health  and wellness,  human  rights, gender sensitivity, and
active ageing.,
(i) Adopt and  implement a  policy on  full  public disclosure  of all  its  transactions  and  documents
involving public interest;  and
"ti) Vvlthin sixty (60) days from their assumption to office, the Sangguniang Nakatatanda shall:
"(1 ) Formulate and approve its internal rules and procedures;
"(2) Appoint its secretary and treasurer; and
"(3) Set the schedule of regular Sangguniang Nakatatanda meetings and Katipunan ng
Nakatatanda assemblies; and
"(k) Exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be prescribed by law
or ordinance, or delegated by the Sangguninang Barangay or the Commission."
SEC.  11.  Term of Office. -(a) The chairperson  and  members of the Sangguniang  Nakatatanda
shall hold office for a fixed term of three (3) years unless sooner removed for cause, permanently
incapacitated, have died or resigned from office.
(b)  The   Sangguniang   Nakatatanda   secretary  and   treasurer  shall   be   co-terminus  with   the
appointing authority unless sooner removed for cause, found to have failed from the discharge of
his or her duties, or has committed abuse of authority as stipulated in existing laws pertaining to
the  conduct of public officials,  through  a  majority  vote  of all  the  members  of the  Katipunan  ng
Nakatatanda in a regular or special assembly called for the purpose.
SEC.   12. Sanggrn/.ang  rvakafafanda   Chat.xperson.   -The   chairperson   of  the   Sangguniang
Nakatatanda  shall  automatically  serve  as  an ex  offlci.o member of the  Sangguniang  Barangay
upon  assumption  to  office. As such,  he or she  shall  exercise  the  same  powers,  discharge the
same duties and functions, and enjoy the same privileges as the regular Sangguniang Barangay
members; and shall be the chairperson of the Comm/-flee on Seni.or Ci.fi.zens and Persons wi-ffl
Disabilities  (PWDs),  tackling  ageing  and  disability-related  concerns. He  or she  shall be
entitled  to  a pro-nafa  honoraria for every  session  of the  Sangguniang  Barangay  he  or she  has
attended.
SEC.13.Powers   and   Functions   of   the   Sangguniang   Nakatatanda   Chairperson.-The
Sangguniang Nakatatanda chairperson shall exercise such powers and discharge such duties as
follows:
(a) Call and preside over all meetings of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda, and vote in case of a tie,
and  assemblies  of the  Katipunan  ng  Nakatatanda,  except when  one.  (1)  of the  agenda  to  be
discussed    in    such    assembly   involves   the   disciplinary   action    against   the    Sangguniang
Nakatatanda chairperson, in which case, the highest ranking Sangguniang Nakatatanda member
shall preside;
(b) Take the lead  in  the formulation  of the  Comprehensive  Barangay  Elderly  Development Plan
and in the preparation and implementation of the Annual Barangay Elderly Investment Program;


(c)  Ensure  the  implementation  of  policies,  programs  and  projects  as  contained  in  the  Annual
Barangay Elderly Investment Programs, in coordination with the Sangguniang Barangay and the
Municipal or City Elderly Development Council;
(d) Sign all required documents and warrants drawn from the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda funds
for all expenditures in the implementation of the Comprehensive Barangay Elderly Development
plan and Annual Barangay Elderly Investment Program;
(e) Exercise general supervision over the affairs and activities of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda
and the Katipunan ng Nakatatanda as well as the official conduct of its members;
(fy With the concurrence of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda, appoint from among the members of
the Katipunan ng Nakatatanda secretary and a treasurer;
(g) Coordinate with the Sangguniang Barangay and other senior citizens organizations within his
or her barangay on elderly-related programs and projects that they wish to initiate and implement;
and
(h) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed
by law or ordinance.
SEC.14. Sanggrnt.ang Ivakafafanda Secretary. -The Sangguniang Nakatatanda secretary shall:
(a)  Keep  all  the  records  of  the  Katipunan  ng  Nakatatanda,  including  the  list  of  its  qualified
members,  elderiy  policies,  studies,  research  and  registry  of senior citizens  and  elderly-serving
organizations in the barangay, if any;
(b)  Prepare and  keep all the  minutes of all assemblies of the  Katipunan  ng  Nakatatanda and of
all the meetings of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda;
(c) Cause the posting, in the barangay bulletin board and in at least three (3) conspicuous places
within   the  jurisdiction   of  the   barangay,   and   if  possible  including  the   use  of  traditional  and
nontraditional  media,  and  make  available  for  any  person  with  legal  purpose,  all  resolutions
approved by the Sangguniang Nakatatanda, the annual and end-of-term reports of the programs
and  projects  implemented  by  the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda,  the  Comprehensive  Barangay
Elderly    Development   Plan   and   Annual   Barangay    Elderly    Investment   Program   and   the
dissemination of the same to concerned offices, institutions and individuals; and
(d)   Perform   such   other  duties   and   discharge   such   other  functions   as   the   Sangguniang
Nakatatanda chairperson may prescribe or direct.
SEC.  15. Sanggunf.ang rvakafafanda  rreas4mer. -The Sangguniang Nakatatanda treasurer, who
shall be bonded officer, shall:
(a) Take oustody of all Sangguniang Nakatatanda property and funds;
(b) Collect and receive contributions,  monies,  materials, and all other resources intended for the
Sangguniang Nakatatanda and the Katipunan ng Nakatatanda;


(c) Serve as cosignatory in all withdrawals from the Sangguniang Nakatatanda funds and disburse
funds in accordance with the approved annual budget and supplemental budget, as the case may
be, of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda,
(d) Certify to the availability of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda funds whenever necessary;
(e)  Submit  to  the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  and  to  the  Sangguniang  Barangay  certified  and
detailed statements of actual income and expenditures at the end of every quarter and the posting
of the same in the barangay bulletin board and in at least three (3) conspicuous places within the
jurisdiction  of the  barangay,  and  if  possible  including  the  use  of traditional  and  nontraditional
media;
(f) Render report during the regular Katipunan  ng Nakatatanda assembly on the financial status
of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda; and
(g)   Perform   such   other  duties   and   discharge   such   other  functions   as   the   Sangguniang
Nakatatanda chairperson may prescribe or direct.
SEC.16. Privileges of Sangguniang Nakatatanda Officials. ~
(a) All Sangguniang Nakatatanda officials in good standing, whether elected or appointed, shall,
during their inoumbency:
(1 )  Be entitled to receive actual fraye//i.ng rei.mbursements as may be authorized by law,
and subject to the availability of funds: Prow`ded, That, such travel is directly related to
the performance of their functions as Sangguniang Kabataan officials and is supported
by duly approved travel order by the Punong Barangay in the case of the Sangguniang
Nakatatanda chairperson, or by the Sangguniang Nakatatanda chairperson in the case
of the other Sangguniang Nakatatanda officials.
(2)  The Sangguniang Nakatatanda members, including the Sangguniang Nakatatanda
treasurer and secretary, shall receive a month/y a//owance or honorarr.urn, chargeable
against the Sangguniang Nakatatanda funds, in addition to any other compensation
provided by this Act and shall be granted at the end of every regular monthly
Sangguniang Nakatatanda meeting: Provt.ded, That the monthly honorarium shall not
exceed the monthly compensation received by their Sangguniang Nakatatanda
chairperson: Provided, further, That not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the
Sangguniang Nakatatanda funds shall be allocated for personnel services. The DBM
shall issue the necessary guidelines implementing this provision.
"The local government units may provide additional honorarium as well as social welfare
contributions and hazard pay to the Sangguniang Nakatatanda chairperson and the
elected and appointed members through their own local ordinances: Provf.ded, That the
honorarium as stated in this section shall be silbject to the post-audit jurisdiction of the
COA; and
(3)  Be entitled to the appropriate civil service eligibility based on the years of service to the
barangay pursuant to the rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Civil Service
Commission (CSC).


(b) The Sangguniang  Nakatatanda chairperson shall have the same privileges enjoyed by other
Sangguniang Nakatatanda officials under this Act subject to such requirements and limitations
provided  herein."
SEC.17. Persons  i`n  AuthoH.fy -For  purposes  of the  Revised  Penal  Code,  the  Sangguniang
Nakatatanda  chairperson  and  members  in  each  barangay  shall  be  deemed  as  persons  in
authority in their jurisdictions.
SEC.   18. Suspensf.on and  Remova/  from  Office, -Any  elected   official  of  the   Sangguniang
Nakatatanda may, after due process, be suspended for not more than six (6) months or removed
from   office   by   majority   vote   of  all   members   of  the   Sangguniang   Bayan   or  Sangguniang
Panlungsod which  has jurisdiction  in the barangay of the concerned  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda
official which shall be final and executory, on any of the following grounds:
(a) Absence from the  regular meeting  of the Sangguniang  Nakatatanda without valid  cause for
two  (2)  consecutive  times  or acoumulated  absences  of four  (4)  within  a  period  of twelve  (12)
months;
(b)  Failure  to  convene  the  regular  assembly  of  the   Katipunan   ng  Nakatatanda  for  two  (2)
consecutive times;
(c) Failure to convene the regular Sangguniang Nakatatanda meetings for three (3) consecutive
months in the case of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda chairperson;
(d) Failure to formulate the Comprehensive Barangay Elderly Development Plan and the Annual
Barangay Elderly Investment Program, or approve the annual budget within the prescribed period
of time without justifiable reason ;
(e)   Failure   to   implement   programs   and   projects   outlined   in   the  Annual   Barangay   Elderiy
Investment Program without justifiable reason;
(f)  Four (4)  consecutive  absences during  the  regular Sangguniang  Barangay  sessions without
valid cause in the case of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda chairperson;
(g) Conviction by final judgment of a crime involving moral turpitude; and violation of existing laws
against graft and corruption and other civil service laws, rules and regulations; and
(h) Failure in the discharge of his or her duty or has committed abuse of authority.
SEC.19. Successf.on and F////.ng I/p of Vacanc/.es. -(a) ln case a Sangguniang Nakatatanda
chairperson refuses to assume office, fails to qualify, voluntarily resigns, dies, is permanently
incapacitated, is removed from office, the Sangguniang Nakatatanda member who obtained the
highest number of votes in the election immediately preceding shall assume the office of the
chairperson, for the unexpired portion of his or her term. In case said member refuses to
assume the position or fails to qualify, the Sangguniang Nakatatanda member obtaining the
next highest number of votes shall assume the position of the chairperson for the unexpired
portion of their term: Prov/.ded, That, if the reason for the vacancy does not fall under the
conditions stated above, the mayor of the concerned barangay shall appoint an officer-in-charge
(OIC) from a list of at least three (3) nominees as submitted by the Sangguniang Nakatatanda


members: Provt.ted, further, That the appointed Olc must meet the qualifications set under
Section  10 of this Act.
(b)  After the  vacancy  shall  have  been  filled,  the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  chairperson  shall,
within   thirty   (30)   days,   call  for  a   special   Katipunan   ng   Nakatatanda   assembly  to   elect  a
Sangguniang       Nakatatanda       member       to       complete       the       membership       of       said
sanggunian: Provt.ded, That,  such  special  assembly  is  coordinated  with  the  Office  of the  Local
Government   Operations   Officer  and   the   COMELEC   of  the   municipality   or  city  where   the
concerned barangay belongs Such  Sangguniang Nakatatanda  member shall  hold office for the
unexpired  portion  of the term of the vacant seat.  For this purpose, any citizen  of the  Philippines
residing in the said barangay for at least six (6) months who attains the age of fifteen  (15) years
old  at  the  time  of  the  special  election  and  who  registers  as  member  of  the  Katipunan  ng
Nakatatanda before the Sangguniang Nakatatanda secretary shall be entitled to vote in the said
special election.
(c) All other vacancies in the office of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda shall be filled in accordance
with the immediately preceding provision.
(d)  In  case  of  suspension  of  the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  chairperson,  the  successor,  as
determined in subsection  (a) of this section,  shall assume the position during the period of such
suspension.
SEC. 20. Sanggun/'ang Ivakafafanda Ft/nds -  The Sangguniang Nakatatanda funds shall be
governed by the following provisions:
"(a) All the income of the barangay derived from whatever source shall accrue to its
general fund and shall, at the option of the barangay concerned, be kept as trust fund in
the custody of the city or municipal treasurer or be deposited in a bank preferably
government-owned, situated in or nearest to its area of jurisdiction. Such funds shall be
disbursed in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Ten percent (10%) of the general
funds of the barangay shall be set aside for the Sangguniang Nakatatanda. The
Sangguniang Nakatatanda funds in lump-sum which shall be disbursed for youth
development and empowerment purposes;
(b)   The   Sangguniang   Nakatatanda   shall   have   financial   independence   in   its   operations,
disbursements   and   encashment   of   their   fund,   income   and   expenditures.   As   such,   the
Sangguniang Nakatatanda funds shall be deposited in the name of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda
of the  concerned  barangay  in  a  government-owned  bank  situated  in  or nearest to  its  area  of
jurisdiction with  the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  chairperson  and  the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda
treasurer as the official signatories;
(c) All Sangguniang Nakatatanda funds shall be allocated in an annual budget, and if the funds
allow, in a supplemental budget in accordance with the adopted Annual Barangay Investment
Program. Both the Comprehensive Barangay Elderly Development Plan and Annual Barangay
Investment Program shall give priority to programs, projects and activities that will  promote and
attain the thrusts of the PEDP such as health, livelihood, environment, global mobility, active
citizenship, governance, social equity and inclusion, peace-building and security, human rights,
gender equality and economic empowerment, including:


"(1 ) Training fees and transportation allowances, and other continuing education and
skills development assistance programs that will promote and support active and
productive ageing;
"(2) Health and wellness projects to address physical and mental health, disabilities,
chronic and degenerative diseases, and other health issues;
"(3) Skills training,  alternative livelihood opportunities,  part-time employment,
volunteerism, and financial assistance;
"(4) Projects promoting the participation of the elderly and their participation in
agricultural, fishery, and forestry enterprises;
"(5) Programs and activities that will involve the elderiy at the forefront of climate action,
environmental protection and conservation efforts, and enlist their involvement in
calamity preparedness, information dissemination and other disaster-related activities;
"(6) Capacity-building for grassroots organization and leadership, and values education;
and
"(7) Programs and activities that address context-specific and intersectional
vulnerabilities of older persons;
(d) The Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlungsod shall, within sixty (60) days upon receipt
hereof,  review the annual budget and supplements4  budget of the Sangguniang  Nakatatanda on
their  compliance  in  the  immediately  preceding   provision   and  other  existing  laws,   rules  and
regulations.   Noncompliance  shall  render  said  budgets  inoperative  either  in  whole  or  in  part.
Failure  on  the  part of the  Sanggunian  to complete the review within the  prescribed  period shall
render the said annual budget deemed approved.
All  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  funds  derived  from  any  source  shall  be  stated  in  its  financial
records  which  shall  be  kept  by  the  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  treasurer,  copy  furnished  the
sangguniang barangay,  in  simplified manner as may be prescribed by the Commission on Audit
(COA). All Sangguniang Nakatatanda funds shall be subject to all existing accounting and auditing
laws, rules and regulations.
(e) The  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  may set aside an  amount for the  mandatory and continuing
training of Sangguniang Nakatatanda to complement the training fund therein provided under the
Sangguniang Nakatatanda Act of 2023. The total amount appropriated for training and capability-
building shall not be more than fifteen percent (15%) of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda fund. The
Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  may  also  consult noni)ovemmental  organizations  (NGOs)  and  civil
society organizations (CSOs) accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) or registered with  Local Government Units, in the development of mandatory programs
and trainings for its officials."
SEC. 21. Pederasyon ng Sanggun/.ang rvakafafanda. -(a) There shall be an organization of the
Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Nakatatanda to be known as follows:
(1 ) ln  municipalities,  Pambayang Pederasyon ng  mga Sangguniang Nakatatanda which shall be
composed of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda chairpersons of barangays in the municipality;


(2)  ln  cities,  the  Panlungsod  na  Pederasyon  ng  mga  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda which  shall  be
composed of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda chairpersons of barangays in the city; and
(3)  ln  provinces,  Panlalawigang  Pederasyon  ng  mga  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda which  shall be
composed   of  the   convenors  of  the   Pambayan   and   Panlungsod   na   Pederasyon   ng   mga
Sangguniang Nakatatanda.
(b)   The   Pederasyon   ng   Sangguniang   Nakatatanda   shall,   at   all   levels,   elect  from   among
themselves a president, a vice president, at treasurer, a secretary and such other officers as they
may deem necessary. The concerned Local Government Operations Officer, in coordination with
the election  officer,  shall facilitate the conduct of the elections which  shall be  held within fifteen
(15) days from the Sangguniang  Kabataan elections in case of the Pambayan and Panlungsod
na Pederasyon, and within thirty (30) days in case of the Panlalawigang Pederasyon.
(c) The manner of election , suspension and removal of the officers of the Pederasyon at all levels
and the term of office of the other officers of the Pederasyon shall be governed by the guidelines
to be jointly issued by the DILG, the COMELEC and the Commission within sixty (60) days upon
the effectivity of this Act.
(d) Duties and Functions of the Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Nakatatanda. -The Pederasyon
ng Sangguniang Nakatatanda and the Local Elderiy Development Council (LEDC) shall draft the
Local Elderly Development Plan (LEDP). The Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Nakatatanda and
LEDC shall convene quarterly to ensure the implementation of the LYDP and alignment of
Comprehensive Barangay Elderiy Development Program and Annual Barangay Elderly
Investment Program to the LEDP. The Pederasyon shall also cascade information and facilitate
knowledge transfer to their respective localities.
"(e) The presidents of the Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Nakatatanda and
the presidents of the Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Nakatatanda of highly
urbanized cities and independent component cities shall elect, among themselves, one (1)
representative from Luzon, one (1 ) representative from Visayas, and one (1 ) representative
from Mindanao to serve as members of the Ady/.sory Counc/./ created under Repub/i-c Act
No.11350 or the "National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC)."
SEC.  22. Membership  in  the  Sanggunian  and  Local  Special  Bodies.  ~ (a) The  duly  eleded
president  of  the  Pederasyon   ng  Sangguniang   Nakatatanda,  at  all  levels,  shall  serve  as ex
offic/.o member   of   the   Sangguniang    Bayan,   Sangguniang    Panlungsod   and   Sangguniang
Panlalawigan, respectively and shall:
"(a) be the cia.irperson Of the Committee on Active Ageing and Disability Concerns
in the said Sanggunian, and a regular member of the Committees on Education,
Environment, Employment and Livelihood, Health and Anti-Drug Abuse, and Gender and
Development;
"(b) serve as ex officio member of Local School Board, Local Council for the Protection
of Children, Local Development Council,  Local Health  Board, Local Tourism Council and
Local Peace and Order Council; and
"(c) convene the LEDC every three (3) months to conduct consultations with senior citizens
organizations."


CHAPTER  Ill
THE  LOCAL ELDERLY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (LEDC)
SEC. 23.  Crea£7.on. -  To ensure wide and multi-sectoral elderly participation in local governance,
there  shall  be  in  every  province,  city  and  municipality  a  Local  Elderiy  Development  Council
(LEDC) "which shall be called,  Provincial Elderly Development Council,  City Youth  Development
Council and  Municipal Youth  Development Council,  respectively. The  LEDC shall  be composed
of representatives of senior citizens and older people-serving organizations in the provincial, city,
and municipal level. The LEDC shall assist the planning and execution of projects and programs
of the Sangguniang Nakatatanda, and the Pederasyons in all levels.
SEC.  24. Loca/  E/derfy  Devefopmenf  Counct./  Funds. -  The  LEDC  shall  be  funded  by  their
respective Sangguniang Bayan, Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Panlalawigan,
CHAPTER  IV
THE  LOCAL ELDERLY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (LEDO)
SEC.   25,  Cread.on. -There   shall   be   in   every   province,   city,   and   municipality   an   Elderiy
Development Office which  shall  be headed  by a  Provincial  Senior Citizens Affairs Officer or the
Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Head. Said office may be put under the supervision and
monitoring  of  either  the  Office  of  the  Local  Chief  Executive,  the  Office  of  the  Planning  and
Development, the Office of the Social Welfare, or in any other office deemed appropriate by the
local government unit. If the funds of the local government units are sufficient, it can be a separate
department  with  division  and  units  for  policy  and  planning,  administration  and  finance,   and
programs  and  operations.  In  the  event  when  the  local  government  unit  has  exceeded  the
prescribed personal services limitations, the local chief executive may designate exiting personnel
deemed fit to serve this purpose;
SEC. 26. Fund/.ng. -The local government unit shall incorporate in its annual budget such amount
as may be necessary for the operation and effective functioning of the Local Elderly Development
Office.
CHAPTER V
CAPABILITY-BulLDING AND  ORIENTATION TOWARDS NATION-BUILDING AND
EMPOWERMENT
SEC` 27. Mandatory and  Continuing Training Programs. -For the purpose Of emphas.itiir\g the
role of the elderly in  nation-building and  molding them to become better citizens with the values
of  patriotism,  nationalism  and  honor  as  a  Filipino,  any  Sangguniang  Elderly  official,  whether
elected or appointed, or any member of the LEDC must undergo the mandatory training programs
before  he  or she  can  assume office.  During  their incumbency,  they  must attend  the continuing
training programs to be undertaken by the Commission in coordination with the DILG. Deliberate


failure  to  attend  the  said  training  programs  shall  constitute  sufficient  ground  to  disqualify  said
Sangguniang Nakatatanda official or LEDC member or subject them to disciplinary actions.
SEC.   28. Components   of   the   Mandatory   Training   Programs. -The   Comm.isslon   ar\d   the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) with the assistance of the Development
Academy of the Philippines (DAP), the Local Government Academy (LGA), the University of the
Philippines-National  Colleges  of  Public  Administration  and  Governance  (UP-NCPAG),  and  in
consultation  with  elderly  stakeholders  shall  jointly  design  and  implement  the  mandatory  and
continuing   training   programs.   The   mandatory   training   programs   must  include  the  following
components:  (a)  (1 )  The  Philippine  cultural  history,  political  systems,  ethics  and  ideologies;  (2)
The Filipino older person  as a nation  builder;  (3) The  Filipino senior citizen and its role in  nation-
building;   and   (b)   capacity-building   on   leadership,   program   and   project   development   and
sustainability, financial management, and accountability and transparency. The Commission and
the DILG may also coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher
Education  (CHED),  and TESDA, for the offering  of relevant courses that emphasize the  role of
education  and  skills development in  nation-building  and would further enhance the  knowledge,
network,  and  capacity of Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  officials  and  LEDC  members to craft and
implement relevant elderiy development plans.
SEC.    29.  7ta+.A/'ng   Fwnd   -Atraining    fund   with    an    initial    amount   of   fifty    million    pesos
(P50,000,000.00)  is  hereby  established  and  appropriated  from  any  available  source  to  be
managed by the Comm/.ss/.on. Thereafter, such amount needed for this purpose shall be included
in the Annual General Appropriations Act.
CHAPTER VI
LINGGO NG NAKATATANDA or "ELDERLY FILIPINO WEEK"
SEC. 30. Observance of Linggo ng Nakatatanda or Elderiy Filipino Week. -
(a) Every barangay,  municipality, city and province shall conduct an annual activity fo ce/ebrafe
the Elderly Filipino Week or Linggo ng Nakatatanda, on the week where the October lst
falls to coincide with the lnternational Day of older Persons. The Sanggun.iang Nakatatar\da,
in the case of barangay,  and  the respective  LEDC in  cooperation with  the  Pederasyon  ng  mga
Sangguniang   Nakatatanda,   in   the   case   of   municipality,   city   and   province,   shall   acfi.ve/y
participate in this observance and coordinate with the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs and
senior citizens organizations.
(b)  The  observance  of  the  Linggo  ng  Nakatatanda  or  Elderly  Filipino  Week  shall  include  the
election  of  the  counterparts  of  all  local  elective  and  appointive  officials,  as  well  as  heads  of
national  offices  or  agencies  stationed  or  assigned  in  the  territorial  jurisdiction  of  the   local
government  unit.  During  said  week,  they  shall  hold  office  as  alternate  LGU  officials  and  shall
perform  such  duties and  conduct such  activities as  may  be  provided  in  the  ordinance  enacted
pursuant to this Chapter.


CHAPTER Vll
REGISTRATION,  ELECTION AND ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE
SEC.  31. Regt.straton.  -For purposes  of the  next  regular Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  election
under this Act, the COMELEC shall set a special registration  of the  Katipunan  ng  Nakatatanda
which  shall  in  no  case  be  less than  one  (1)  month  and  shall  include  Saturdays  and  Sundays.
Subsequent registration of the Katipunan ng Nakatatanda shall be governed by Republic Act No.
8189 including the system of continuing registration.
SEC. 32. Oafe of E/ecf/.on. -The Sangguniang Nakatatanda elections shall be synchronized with
the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) and subsequently every three (3) years thereafter.
SEC. 33.  Membership in the National Commission of Senior Citizens. -The presidents of the
Panlalawigang   Pederasyon   ng   mga   Sangguniang   Nakatatanda   and   the   presidents   of  the
Panlungsod  na  Pederasyon  ng  mga  Sangguniang  Nakatatanda  of highly  urbanized  cities  and
independent component cities shall elect,  among themselves, a  representative who shall sit as
an ex offi`c7.o member i.n the Adyi-sory Counc/./ of the National Commission of Senior Citizens,
consistent with  Republic Act No.  11350."
CHAPTER VIII
FINAL  PROVISIONS
SEC. 34.  fundr.ng and AppropH.affons. -The amounts necessary to cany out the implementation
of  this  Act  shall  be  charged  against  the  Annual  General  Appropriations  Act,  or  as  may  be
authorized by the local government units pursuant to Section 4 of this Act.
SEC. 35. Implementing Rules and Regulations (lRR). -The Commlssfon, the DS\l\lD, the DILG,
the COMELEC, the  Department of Budget and  Management,  and the COA,  in consultation with
the local government leagues such as the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), the
League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP),
and various senior citizens organizations and older person-serving organizations shall be tasked
to  come  up,  within  sixty  (60)  days  upon  approval  of  this  Act,  with  the  lRR  needed  for  the
implementation of this Act.
SEC.  36.  Separab/.//.fy C/ause.  -lf,  for any  reason  or reasons,  any  part or provision  of this Act
shall  be declared  unconstitutional or invalid,  other parts or provisions not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.
SEC. 37. Repea//.ng C/arse. -Sections 329, 423439 of Republic Act No.  7160, also  known as
"The Local Government Code of 1991 " and all other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders
letters of instruction, rules and regulations or portions thereof which are inconsistent with this Act
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


SEC. 38. E#ecfivity C/ause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen  (15) days after the completion of
its publication in the Offc/.a/ Gazeffe or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved