Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSEBILLNcl0063
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Introduced  by Representatives Joey Sarte  Salceda,  Rodolfo  "Ompong" M.  Ordanes, Alfelito
"Alfel"  M.  Bascug,  Ysabel Maria J.  Zamora  Maria J. Zamora, Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay,
Sergio C. Dagooc, Erwin T. Tulfo, Mikaela Angela 8. Suansing, Teodorico 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, .rose 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
PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES THROUGH THE INCLUSION OF SENIOR CITIZENS AND PWD
SERVICES IN THE EGOV PH SUPER APP
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the  age of digitization and technological advancement,  bridging the digital  divide is crucial,
especially for vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
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
their motu proprio inquiry, 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.
The Department of Ir_i_forimation. ari.d Commuri_ication Technology (DICT) lauri.ched t,he ecTov PH
Super App in December 2022. The platform offers a comprehensive single portal for multi-sectoral
government  transactions  and  services,  aiming  to  streamline  access  to  government  documents,
permits,  identifications,  and clearances,  thereby enhancing  the  ease  of doing business  for the
public.
Recognizing  the  importance  of inclusivity  in  digital  governance,  this  bill  seeks  to  integrate  a
dedicated section within the eGov PH Super App which shall cater to the specific needs of senior
citizens and PWDs,  and offer tailored services, information, and resources to empower them to
navigate through available government offerings independently and confidently.


Moreover,  the  government  may  also  utilize  the  eGov  PH  Super  App  to  establish  an
alternative identity verification system and alleviate the need for presenting purchase booklets in
order to facilitate the access of senior citizens and PWDs to benefits without undue hindrance. This
can  be  achieved  by  seamlessly  integrating  the  discount  system  into  the  sales  processes  of
establishments, thus streamlining the granting of discount for the vulnerable sectors.
Given the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Chairperson, Committee on Persons with Disabilities


REp.RrfuAv.ii,ifVERGARA
REP. SAMUEL S. VEREOSA, JR
REP. RAY T. REYES
REP. GERVILLE " JINKY BITRICS" R. LUISTRO
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ce#cRuz,in
REP. RAMON RODRIGB.      L. GUTIERREZ
Mtr a a
REP. MARIO      V[TTORIO "MARVEY" A. MARINO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HousE BILL No.1 8 0 6 3
Intl.oduced by Representatives Joey Sarte Salceda, Rodolfo "Ompong" M. Ordanes, Alfelito
"Alfel" M. Bascug, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora, Milagi.os Aquino-Magsaysay, Sergio C. Dagooc,
Erwin T. Tulfo, Mikaela Angela 8. Suansing, Teoderico T. Haresco, Jr., AIIan U. Ty, Gus S.
Tambunting. Mario Vittorio  "Marvey" A.  Marifro, 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 Gilbell F. Violago, Ramon Rodrigo L. Gutierrez, and Dale 8. Corvera
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE WELFARE. OF SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES (PWDs) THROUGH THE INCLUSION OF SENIOR CITIZENS AND
PWD SERVICES IN THE EGOV PH SUPER APP
Be  it  enacled  ky  [he  Senate  and  the  House  Of Representative.s  Of the  Philippines  .ln  Congre.ss
a+ssemblecl:
1                     SECTION  1.  Dec/flr¢J7.(in  (7/Po/I.cj;.  -It  is  hereby  declared the  policy  of the  State  to
2       recognize  and  uphold  the  fundamental  rights  of Senior  Citizens  and Persons  with  Disabilities
3       (PWDs), ensuring their equal access to government se.rvices and acknowledging their invaluable
4       contributions to society.
5                     The state shall promote inclusivity, equity, and accessibility in using teclmology so that
6       Senior  Citizens  and  Persons  with  Disabilities  (PWDs)  can  readily  access  and  benefit  from
7       government services through user-friendly and tailored digital platforms.
8                   SEC.  2.  EG(Jv  pff sapcr 4pp.  The  Department  of Information  and  communications
9       Teclmology (DICT) shall incolporate a dedicated section within the eGov PH Super App platform
10       specifically designed for senior Gti7ens and pwDs, which shall include the following:
11                     (a)  access to various government services, including healthcare and social services;
12                     (b)  informational resources on their rights and benefits; and
13                     (c)  a  user-friendly  interface   with  adjustable   text   sizes,   voice   assistance,   and  other
14                             accessibility features.
15                    The eGov PH SuperApp shall serve as an alternative means for senior citizens and pwDs
16       to apply for their identification cards (IDs) and access any government services.


1                    Senior citizens and pwDs may continue to avail of government services and assistance
2      through their respective local government units.
3                  SEC. 3. Identif y veriifeation systemf tor senior citizens and pwDs. In cases where senior
4      Citizens and PWDs do not possess their Senior Citizen and PWD IDs or mobile phones while
5       availing discounts and accessing government services through establishments utilizing the eGov
6      PH SuperApp, an alternative identity verification system shall be established to facilitate their
7      access to  benefits without undue  hindrance.  The  alternative  identity verification process  shall
8      include, but not be limited to, the following methods:
9                    (a) personal identification through relevant information, such as full name, date of birth,
10                          address,  or any  other identifiable  details  avallable  within the  eGov PH  Super App
11                           database, validated through personal questioning by authorized personnel; or
12                    (b) biometric verification methods, including fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, if
13                          avallable and applicable, to confirm the identity of the senior citizen and PWD.
14                   SEC.  5. J#/orm¢fl.o„ a/|Jcer.  The DICT shall assign an Information officer who shall
15      ensure that the IcT systems for senior citizens and pwDs are developed, implemented, secured,
16      and compliant with standards set by the DICT, and in accordance with relevant laws, rules, and
17      regulations,  including Republic Act No.  10173,  otherwise known as the  "Data Privacy Act of
18        2012.„
19                   The Information officer shall perform the following functions:
20                    (a) Develop and supervise policies, strategies, and programs to enhance the accessibility,
21                          usability,  and inclusivity of digital  services provided to senior citizens and pwDs
22                          through the eGov PH SuperApp;
23                    (b) Coordinate  with  government  agencies,  nongovemmental  organizations,  advocacy
24                         groups, and experts on the welfare of senior citizens and pwDs to address the unique
25                          needs and challenges they face in utilizing digital platforms and to conduct training
26                          programs,  workshops,  and  awareness  campalgns  about the  functionalities  of using
27                           digital services available through the eGov PH SuperApp;
28                   (c) Implement measures to ensure that the features for senior citizens and pwDs within
29                          the eGov PH Super App comply with accessibility standards, including varying levels
30                          of technological literacy and visual impalrments; and


1                   (d) Assess and improve the features for senior citizens and pwDs within the eGov PH
2       SuperApp in response to their feedback, technical capabilities, and changing needs.
3                    The  recruitment,  selection,  and  appointment  of this  Information  Officer  shall  be  in
4      accordance  with  the  civil  service  law,  rules  and  regulations,  and  the  competency  standards
5       prescribedby theDICT.
6                    SEC.  6.   rflx; f4d,rna.#I.stro#.o".  For  purposes  of tax  monitoring  compliance,  business
7      establishments  shall  record  on the  eGov PH  Super App the  transactions  related to  the  goods
8      purchased and services perfomed with twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from value-
9      added tax (VAT) granted to senior citizens and pwDs.
10                    SEC. 7. Sepfl[r¢b}.Jrty cJ¢wstL If, for any reason, any section, clause, or term of this Act is
11       held to be illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional, such parts not affected by such declaration shall
12      remain in full force and effect.
13                    SEC.  8.  Rependi."g  C7a!#se.  All  laws,  presidential  decrees,  issuance,  executive  orders,
14      letters of instruction, rules, or regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
15       repealed or modified accordingly.
16                    SEC. 9. E/Tcctr.vrty. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
17      Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
T8                   Approved,