Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2089

House Bill No, © *

Introduced by

HON. RODOLFO “OMPONG" M. ORDANES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Expanded Senior Citizens Act, Republic Act (RA) No. 7432,* as amended by RA No. 9257,9 RA No.
9994,*° and RA No. 10645," is one of the most monumental legislation in the Philippines’ legislative history. It
continues to be the country's premier legislation to preserve and promote the welfare of our twelve million senior
citizens who remain to be one of our country’s most vulnerable groups.

However, recent changes in technology and socio-economic landscapes in the past twelve (12) years such
as but not excluding, the rise of third-party applications and websites like Grab, Foodpanda, Shoppe, Lazada, etc.
as a critical part of the Philippines’ commercial ecosystem, the increased engagement of insurance and health
‘maintenance organization by senior citizens for their medical needs, among others, have led to an environment
Where the law must evolve for it to stay true to its mission, spirit, and advocacy.

As provided in the Philippine Constitution, the State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will
ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty. It shall provide social
justice in all phases of national development and the State shall value the dignity of every human person and shall
‘guarantee full respect for human rights. To achieve the same, the State shall design programs of social security
for its elderly members and prioritize their needs.

The proposed measure seeks to help align the Expanded Senior Citizens Act with the technological and
socio-economic changes experienced by the Philippines by expanding the coverage of the said law.

In view of this, the passage of this bill is sought.

RODOLFO “OMPO! |. ORDANES

An Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation Building, Grants Benefits and Special Privileges (RA No.
7432)

* Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003 (RA No. 9257)

* Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2030 (RA No, 9994)

# Aan Act Providing for the Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for a Senior Citizens, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act
No, 7432, as amended by Republic Act No, 9994, otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act Of 2010" (RA No.
10645)



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2039

House Bill No.

Introduced by
HON. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES

AN ACT EXPANDING THE COVERAGE OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS DISCOUNT, AMENDING FOR THE
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9994, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS THE "EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT OF 2010"

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

Section 1. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by Republic Act No. 9257, otherwise known as the
“Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003", and Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior
Gitizens Act of 2010”, is hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens, ~

‘The senior citizens shall be entitled to the following:
"(a) the grant of twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable, on
the sale of the following goods and services from all establishments, for the exclusive use and enjoyment or
availment of the senior citizen, REGARDLESS IF IT IS OFFERED IN AN ONLINE OR OFFLINE, DIRECT OR
INDIRECT, FIRST OR THIRD-PARTY MEDIUM/APPLICATION

*(1) on the purchase of medicines, including the purchase of influenza and pnuemococcal vaccines, and such other
essential medical supplies, accessories, and equipment to be determined by the Department of Health (DOH),
INCLUDING PAYMENTS MADE THROUGH HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS AND/OR
INSURANCE COMPANIES.

“The DOH shall establish guidelines and mechanism of compulsory rebates in the sharing of burden of discounts
‘among retailers, manufacturers, and distributors, taking into consideration their respective margins;

(2) on the professional fees of attending physician/s in all private hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinics,
and home health care services, INCLUDING PAYMENTS MADE THROUGH HEALTH MAINTENANCE
ORGANIZATIONS AND/OR INSURANCE COMPANIES;

*(3) on the professional fees of licensed professional health providing home health care services as endorsed by
private hospitals or employed through home health care employment agencies, INCLUDING PAYMENTS MADE
THROUGH HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS AND/OR INSURANCE COMPANIES;


(4) on medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory fees in all private hospitals, medical facilities,
outpatient clinics, and home health care services, in accordance with the rules and regulations to be issued by the
DOH, in coordination with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), INCLUDING PAYMENTS.
MADE THROUGH HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS AND/OR INSURANCE COMPANIES;

00

50K;

(7) on the utilization of services in hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers,
INCLUDING NON-PROFIT, STOCK GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUBS WHICH ARE PRIVATE AND FOR
EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP;

Section 2. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations, or parts thereof wi

are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Section 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,