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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4898

Introduced by Representative Cyrille “Beng” F. Abueg-Zaldivar

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the Philippines, a distinct trait that is deeply-rooted in Filipino families
is the high regard for older persons. Considering that the family is a basic unit
of society, the role being played by the elderly in the development of their
families and communities can never be undermined.

This is why the State puts forward the advancement of senior citizens.
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9994, or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,”
declares that the State should “give full support to the improvement of the well-
being of the elderly and their full participation in society, considering that senior
citizens are integral part of Philippine society.” Likewise, it provides that the
State should “motivate and encourage the senior citizens to contribute in nation
building,” by instituting “mechanisms whereby the contributions of the senior
citizens are maximized.”

Further, the Philippines, being a party to the Madrid International Plan of
Ageing (MIPAA) in 2002, believes that the involvement of senior citizens in
decision-making processes at all levels is critical to national progress.

It is within this framework that this bill seeks to create a Sangguniang
Senior Citizens and provide for its powers and functions, so that the senior
citizens can fully participate in the decision-making process of the local
government units (LGUs). Local policymaking bodies are the most viable venue
for active participation of senior citizens. Their effective participation benefits
not only senior citizens whose issues and concerns can be addressed, but the
local communities themselves who can benefit from the elderly’s wisdom and
insight culled from years of experience.


The provisions of this measure were essentially patterned from the charter
of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) as postulated in Republic Act No. 7160,
otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991. If the youth are
organized by the State to form a governing body for themselves and involved in
local governance, it is also timely and relevant that the senior citizens should be
given the same opportunity. In so doing, the State affirms the full participation
of senior citizens in nation building.

With a burgeoning elderly population, it is only fitting to accord them this
opportunity and responsibility. It is estimated that the proportion of persons
aged 60 years and older in the world will double between 2000 and 2050. In the
Philippines, the elderly population has been steadily increasing in both size and
proportion. There is a senior citizen in 1 out of every 5 households in the
country. To date, the population of senior citizens in the country is estimated at
7.55 million. The number is growing at a faster rate and is expected to increase to
10.5% of the total population or exceed 11.1 million by 2025. More importantly,
as long-time taxpayers, the senior citizens have amply contributed to our
nation’s development.

The generation of today will, sooner or later, join the ranks of the elderly.
Today is the time to lay down the necessary policy infrastructure for them and
for future generations.

Considering the import of this measure, its immediate passage into law is
earnestly sought.

| Figaro
CYRILLE sane BUEG-ZALDIVAR
Representative, 2! District of Palawan


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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session
4608
HOUSE BILL NO. __

Introduced by Representative Cyrille “Beng” F. Abueg-Zaldivar

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR REPRESENTATION IN ALL LEVELS OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, CREATING THE SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS, THE KATIPUNAN NG SENIOR CITIZENS, PROVIDING
THEIR POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
“LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991”

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 “Sangguniang Senior
Citizens Act of 2019.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
allow the senior citizens and the elderly to be properly represented in government

and to continue to perform an active role in nation building.

SEC. 3. Amendment of Section 423 of the Local Government Code. — Section 423
of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991,
hereinafter referred to as the Code, is hereby further amended to read as follows:


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“CHAPTER VIII
Sangguniang Kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS
SECTION 423. Creation and Election. - (a) There shall be in every barangay a
sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS to be
composed of a chairman, [seven (7)] four (4) members, a secretary, and a

treasurer.
(b) A sangguniang kabataan official who, during his term of office, shall
have passed the age of twenty-one (21) years shall be allowed to serve the

remaining portion of the term for which he was elected.”

SEC. 4. Amendment of Section 424 of the Code. - Section 424 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SECTION 424. Katipunan Kabataan AND KATIPUNAN NG SENIOR
CITIZENS. — The katipunan ang kabataan AND KATIPUNAN NG
SENIOR CITIZENS shall be composed of Filipino citizens actually residing
in the barangay for at least six (6) months, IN THE CASE OF THE
KATIPUNAN NG KABATAAN, who are fifteen (15) but less than eighteen
(18) years of age on the day of the election, AND IN THE CASE OF
KATIPUNAN NG SENIOR CITIZENS, WHO ARE AT LEAST SIXTY (60)
YEARS OF AGE OR MORE, and are duly registered in the list of the
sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS or in
the official barangay list under the custody of the Barangay Secretary.”

SEC. 5. Amendment of Section 425 of the Code. - Section 425 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:


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“SECTION 425. Meetings of the Katipunan ng Kabataan AND THE
KATIPUNAN NG SENIOR CITIZENS. — The katipunan ng kabataan AND
KATIPUNAN NG SENIOR CITIZENS shall meet at least once every three
(3) months, or at the call of the chairman of the sangguniang kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS or upon written petition of at least
one-twentieth (1/20) of its members, to decide on important issues affecting
the youth AND THE SENIOR CITIZENS, RESPECTIVELY, of the
barangay.”

SEC. 6. Amendment of Section 426 of the Code. - Section 426 of the Code is

hereby further amended read as follows:

a)

b)

2)

“SECTION 426. Powers and Functions of the Sangguniang Kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS. — The sangguniang kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS shall:

Promulgate resolutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the youth
AND THE SENIOR CITIZENS, RESPECTIVELY, in the barangay in
accordance with the applicable provisions of this Code;

Initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic,
cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical development of the

members;

Hold fund-raising activities, the proceeds of which shall be tax-exempt and
shall accrue to the general fund of the sangguniang kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS: Provided, however, That in the
appropriation thereof, the specific purpose for which such activity has been
held shall be first satisfied;


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d) Create such bodies or committees as it may deem necessary to effectively

carry out its programs and activities;

e) Submit annual and end-of-term reports to the Sangguniang Barangay on
their projects and activities for the survival and development of the youth
AND SENIOR CITIZENS in the barangay;

{) Consult and coordinate with all youth AND SENIOR CITIZENS
organizations in the barangay for policy formulation and program

implementation;

g) Coordinate with the appropriate national agency for the implementation of
youth AND SENIOR CITIZENS development projects and programs at the

national level; and

h) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as
the Sangguniang Barangay may determine or delegate or as may be
prescribed by law or ordinance.”

SEC. 7. Amendment of Section 427 of the Code. - Section 427 of the Code is
hereby further amended to read as follows:

“Section 427. Meetings of the Sangguniang Kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS. — The sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS shall meet regularly once a month on the date, time,
and place to be fixed by said RESPECTIVE sanggunian. Special meetings
may be called by the sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS chairman or any [three (3)] TWO (2) of its sanggunian

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members by giving written notice to all members of the date, time, place and
agenda of the meeting at least one (1) day in advance. Notices of regular or
special meetings shall be furnished the punong barangay and the

sangguniang barangay.

A majority of the members of the sangguniang kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS shall constitute a quorum.”

SEC. 8. Amendment of Section 428 of the Code. - Section 428 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SECTION 428. Qualifications. — An elective official of sangguniang
kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS must be a Filipino
citizen, a qualified voter of the katipunan ng kabataan AND KATIPUNAN
NG SENIOR CITIZENS, a resident of the barangay for at least one (1) year
immediately prior to election, at least fifteen (15) years but less than
eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the election FOR THE
SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN AND SIXTY (60) YEARS OF AGE OR
MORE FOR SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS, able to read and write
Filipino, English, or the local dialect, and must not have been convicted of

any crime involving moral turpitude.”

SEC. 9. Amendment of Section 429 of the Code. - Section 429 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SECTION 429. Term of Office. — The sangguniang kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS chairman and members shall hold
office for a period of three (3) years, unless sooner removed for cause as

provided by law, permanently incapacitated, die or resign from office.”


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SEC. 10. Amendment of Section 430 of the Code. - Section 430 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SECTION. 430. Sangguniang Kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR
CITIZENS CHAIRPERSON. — The registered voters of the katipunang ng
kabataan AND KATIPUNAN NG SENIOR CITIZENS shall elect the
chairman of the sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR
CITIZENS who shall BOTH automatically serve as [an] ex officio memberS
of the Sangguniang Barangay upon [his] THEIR assumption to office. As
such, [he] THEY 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 chairman of the committee on youth
and sports development AND COMMITTEE ON SENIOR CITIZENS'
AFFAIRS, RESPECTIVELY, in the said sanggunian.”

SEC. 11. Amendment of Section 431 of the Code. - Section 431 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:

a)

“SECTION 431. Powers and Duties of the Sangguniang Kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS Chairman. — In addition to the duties
which may be assigned to [him] THEM by the sangguniang barangay, the
sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS
[chairman] CHAIRPERSONS shall:

Call and preside over all meetings of the RESPECTIVE katipunan ng
kabataan AND KATIPUNAN NG SENIOR CITIZENS and the
sangguniang kabatan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS within
[HIS] THEIR jurisdiction;


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b) Implement policies, programs, and projects within his jurisdiction in
coordination with the sangguniang barangay;

©) Exercise general supervision over the affairs and activities of the
sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS and
the official conduct of its members, and such other officers of the
sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS within
[his] THEIR jurisdiction;

d) With the concurrence of the sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS, appoint from among the members of the sangguniang
kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS, the secretary and

treasurer and such other officers as may be deemed necessary; and

e) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as
may be prescribed by law or ordinance.”

SEC. 12. Amendment of Section 432 of the Code. - Section 432 of the Code is
hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SECTION 432. Sangguniang Kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR
CITIZENS Secretary. — The RESPECTIVE sangguniang kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS Secretary shall:

a) Keep all records of the katipunan ng Kabataan AND KATIPUNAN NG
SENIOR CITIZENS and the  sangguniang kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS;


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b) Prepare and keep the minutes of all meetings of the katipunang ng kabataan
AND KATIPUNAN NG SENIOR CITIZENS and sangguniang kabataan
AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS;

©) Prepare all forms necessary for the conduct of registrations, elections,
initiatives, referenda, or plebiscites, in coordination with the barangay
secretary and the COMELEC; and

d) Perform such other duties and discharge such other functions as the
chairman of the sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR
CITIZENS may prescribe or direct.”

SEC. 13. Amendment of Section 433 of the Code. - Section 433 of the Code is
hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SECTION. 433. Sangguniang Kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR
CITIZENS Treasurer. — The RESPECTIVE sangguniang kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS treasurer shall:

a) Take custody of all sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS property and funds not otherwise deposited with the

city or municipal treasurer;

b) Collect and receive contributions, monies, materials, and all other resources
intended for the sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR
CITIZENS and the katipunan ng kabatan AND KATIPUNAN NG
SENIOR CITIZENS;


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©) Disburse funds in accordance with an approved budget of the sangguniang
kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS;

d) Certify to the availability of funds whenever necessary;
IY;

e) Submit to the sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR
CITIZENS and to the sangguniang barangay certified and detailed
statements of actual income and expenditures at the end of every month;

and
f) Perform such other duties and discharge such other functions as the
chairman of the sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR

CITIZENS may direct.”

SEC. 14. Amendment of Section 434 of the Code. - Section 434 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SECTION 434. Privileges of Sangguniang Kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS Officials. — The RESPECTIVE sangguniang kabataan
AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS chairman shall have the same
privileges enjoyed by other sangguniang barangay officials under this Code,
subject to such requirements and limitations provided herein. During their
incumbency, sangguniang kabataan AND LEGITIMATE OR
ACKNOWLEDGED NATURAL CHILDREN OF SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS officials shall be exempt from payment of tuition and
matriculation fees while enrolled in public tertiary schools, including state
colleges and universities. The National Government shall reimburse said
college or university the amount of the tuition and matriculation fees:
Provided, That, to qualify for the privilege, the said officials or children shall

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enroll in a state college or university within or nearest their area of

jurisdiction.”

SEC. 15. Amendment of Section 435 of the Code. - Section 435 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SECTION 435. Succession and Filling of Vacancies. — (a) In case a
sangguniang kabataan OR SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS
chairman refuses to assume office, fails to qualify, is convicted of a felony,
voluntarily resigns, dies, is permanently incapacitated, is removed from
office, or has been absent without leave for more than three (3) consecutive
months, the sangguniang kabataan OR SANGGUNIANG SENIOR
CITIZENS member who obtained the next highest number of votes in the
election immediately preceding shall assume the office of the chairman for
the unexpired portion of the term, and shall discharge the powers and
duties, and enjoy the rights and privileges appurtenant to the office. In case
said member refuses to assume the position or fails to qualify, the
sangguniang kabataan OR SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS member
obtaining the next highest number of votes shall assume the position of the

chairman for the unexpired portion of the term.

(b) Where two (2) or more sangguniang kabataan OR
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS members obtained the same next
highest number of votes, the other sangguniang Kabataan OR
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS members shall conduct an election

to choose the successor to the chairman from among said members.

(0) After the vacancy shall have been filled, the sangguniang kabataan

OR SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS chairman shall call a special
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election to complete the membership of said sanggunian. Such sangguniang
kabataan OR SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS member shall hold

office for the unexpired portion of the term of the vacant seat.

(a) In case of suspension of the sangguniang kabataan OR
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS chairman, the successor, as
determined in subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall assume the
position during the period of such suspension.”

SEC. 16. Amendment of Section 436 of the Code. - Section 436 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:

1)

2)

“CHAPTER IX
Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS
SECTION 436. Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS. — (a) There shall be an organization
of all the pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan AND
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS to be known as follows:

In municipalities, pambayang pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan
AND PAMBAYANG PEDERASYON NG MGA SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS;

In cities, panlungsod na pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan AND

PANLUNGSOD NA PEDERASYON NG MGA SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS;

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3) In provinces, panlalawigang pederasyon ng sangguniang kabataan AND
PANLALAWIGANG PEDERASYON NG MGA SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS;

4) In special metropolitan political subdivisions, pangmetropolitang
pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan AND
PANGMETROPOLITANG PEDERASYON NG MGA SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS; and

5) On the national level, pambansang pederasyon ng sangguniang kabataan
AND PAMBANSANG PEDERASYON NG MGA SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS.

(vb) The pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan AND
PEDERASYON NG MGA SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS shall, at
all levels, elect from among themselves the president, vice-president and
such other officers as may be necessary and shall be organized in the

following manner:
1) The panlungsod and pambayang pederasyon shall be composed of the
sangguniang kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS

chairmen of barangays in the city or municipality, respectively;

2) The panlalawigang pederasyon shall be composed of presidents of the
panlungsod and pambayang pederasyon;

3) The pangmetropolitang pederasyon shall be composed of presidents of the
panlungsod and pambayang pederasyon;

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(c) The elected presidents of the pederasyon at the provincial, highly
urbanized city, and metropolitan political subdivision levels shall constitute
the pambansang katipunan ng mga sangguniang kabataan AND
PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA SENIOR CITIZENS.”

SEC. 17. Amendment of Section 437 of the Code. - Section 437 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SECTION 437. Constitution and By-Laws. — The term of office, manner of
election, removal and suspension of the officers of the pederasyon ng mga
sangguniang kabataan AND PEDERASYON NG MGA SANGGUNIANG
SENIOR CITIZENS at all levels shall be governed by the constitution and
by-laws of the pederasyon in conformity with the provisions of the Code
and national policies on youth AND SENIOR CITIZENS.”

SEC. 18. Amendment of Section 438 of the Code. - Section 438 of the Code is

hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SECTION 438. Membership in the Sanggunian. — (a) A sangguniang
kabataan AND SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS chairman shall,
upon certification of his election by the COMELEC and during his tenure of
office is elected as Pederasyon President, serve as an ex officio member of the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Sangguniang
Bayan, as the case may be, without need of further appointment.

(b) The vice-president of the pederasyon whose president has been
elected as president of a higher pederasyon shall serve as ex officio member
of the sanggunian concerned without need of further appointment.

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(c) The pederasyon president or vice-president, as the case may be, OF
THE SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN shall be the chairman of the
committee on youth and sports development, WHILE THAT OF THE
SANGGUNIANG SENIOR CITIZENS SHALL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF
THE COMMITTEE ON SENIOR CITIZENS’ AFFAIRS of the sanggunian

concerned.”

SEC. 19. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby
shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 20. Repealing Clause. - Certain provisions of R.A. 7160 are hereby
amended accordingly. All other laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,
proclamations, rules, regulations, issuances and enactments of parts thereof

inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 21. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general.

Approved,

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