Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
|9th CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HoUSEBILLNO.        10362
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Introduced by HONORABLE MILAGROS AQUINO-MAGSAYSAY
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
SENIOR CITIZENS DAY CARE CENTER IN EVERY BARANGAY,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to establish and institutionalize Senior Citizens Day Care Centers
in every barangay in the country as another means to promote the welfare and protect
interest of the ageing and elderly population.
It is generally acknowledged  that an  ageing  population  is  a  positive outcome of
combined social, econoinic and health advances, the resulting physiological, social and
financial changes that order persons' experience, they may require assistance from time
to time to regain a sense of well-being.  Events like demise of a spouse,  retirement from
work  and  onset  of  related  illnesses  may  put  older  persons  through  brief  periods  of
distress.  External support or help  maybe  needed  by some to  bring  relief and  expedite
adjustment.     Alongside:    the     rapid     growth     of    the     older     population     are     the
increasing    cases    of  ,abandonment    and    homelessness,    as    well    as    rise    in
their    special     needs   'such     as     health     care,     housing,     income     security    and
other social services.
While  Filipino  culiture,  and  even  the  1987  Constitution,  dictates  we  care  for our
elderly,  and  it is the family which  has the primary responsibility to do so,  it is incumbent
upon the State to provide additional resources and support. The national government has
a   handful   of   institutiohs   maintained   by   the   Department   of   Social   Welfare   and
Development (DSWD) providing housing for abandoned, neglected, and homeless senior
citizens.   These   residential   facilities   and   group   homes   are   simply   insufficient   and
inadequate to address the needs of numerous ageing Filipinos whether or not separated
from their families.  Community-based  Day Care Centers can  serve as daytime venues


for senior citizens living iat home, but in need of recreational, educational,  health, and/or
other socio-cultural programs and services.
This  bill  seeks to create  barangay-level  Senior Citizens  Day Care  Centers  as a
form  of community  resource that is  more than just a facility or venue,  but a  means  of
ensuring elderly programs and services can be accessed and be made available to senior
citizens, their families and caregivers.
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
Second Regular Session
HoUSEBILLNo.      10362
Introduced by Representative Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay
AN ACT  PROVIDING  FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
SENIOR CITIZENS DAY CARE CENTER IN  EVERY BARANGAY,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
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 "Sen/.or C/.f/.zens Day Care
Center Act of 2024"+
SECTION 2. Declaraition of Policy -lt shall be the declared policy of the State to protect
and  promote  the  health  and  well-being  of  Filipino  senior  citizens,  and  ensure  a  decent
and dignified  standard  of living  and  quality of life for them.
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms -As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:
a. Senior Citizens Day Care Center -  refers to center-based facilities directly managed
by  the  barangay  that  provide  daytime  services  to  senior citizens  on  a  regular  basis  for
fewer that 24-hours on a  non-residential setting;
b.  Senior  Citizens  Day  Care  Services  -  refers  to  community-based  programs  and
services for senior citizens who  require supervision  and support,  including  social,  health
and/or specialized services;


c.  Senior Citizens  Day  Care  Social  Services -  refers to  socialization  activities  that
encourage a sense of community, belonging and development of general well-being; this
includes engaging in arfe and crafts, games, dancing and light exercise, story-telling and
discussion groups, day field trips or outings;
d.  Senior  Citizens  Daiv  Care  Health  Services  -  refers  to  available  programs  and
services  pertaining  to  health,  wellness,  nutrition  and  "active"  ageing,  including  medical
interventions  like  health monitoring/medical check-ups,  provision  of maintenance drugs
and medicines, occupational, speech, and physical therapy; and
e. Senior Citizens Dayi Care Specialized Services -refers to those specja]ized health
and   medical  services  hlade  available,  such  as  those  for  Alzheimer's  disease  and
dementia like early screening/testing.
SECTION 4. Responsibility of Local Government Units (LGUs) - Local Government
Units  (LGUs),  particula+ly  cities  and  municipalities,  shall  take  charge  of ensuring  the
establishment,   management  and  sustained  operation  of  Senior  Citizens   Day  Care
Centers in their respectiive areas.
In addition, LGUs must ensure that centers established under this Act shall abide by the
DSWD-mandated regulatory and accreditation standards, comply with Accessibility Law
or Batas Pambansa (BP) No. 344 requirements, and anti-elder abuse policies.
SECTloN 5. Funding arid Sustainabilify -Pursuant to the Supreme Court's Mandanas
ruling  on  the just  and  equitable  share  of local  government  units  to  some  national  tax
revenues,  LGUs  must  ensure  the  appropriate  funding  and  resources  to  sustain  their
respective Senior Citizens Day Care Centers.
In  addition,  LGUs may utilize a portion of their mandated budgetary allocation for senior
citizens to support theirsenior Citizens Day Care Centers and provide for the needs of
I
the  above-mentioned  vqulnerable  sectors.  LGUs  are  likewise  enjoined  to  integrate  and
consider this program in their local development plans.
SECTION  6.  Donations  to  the  Centers-The  SC  Day  Care  Centers  are  hereby
authorized  to  solicit and  receive donations,  grants,  contributions,  gifts  or endowments
from all sources whetheIT foreign or domestic, and whether government or private, without
the need of securing a permit, approval or registration from any government agency.
Notwithstanding   any   provision   of   law   to  the   contrary,   all   donations,   contributions,
endowments  and  equipment  and  supplies  to  be  imported  by  authorized  entities  or
persons for the actual use and benefit of the SC Day Care Centers, shall be exempt from
income and gift taxes, the same further deductible in full for the purpose of determining
the maximum deductjbld amount under Section 30, paragraph (h), of the National Internal
Revenue Code, as amended.


SECTloN 7. Tax Exemption -Senior Citizens Day Care Centers established under this
Act are hereby declared'exempt from all income and all other internal revenue taxes, tariff
and customs duties and all other kinds of taxes, fees, charges and assessments levied
by the Government and its political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities.
SECTION 8. Utility Discount -As provided for under Republic Act No. 9994, accredited
and  licensed senior citizens facilities exclusively used  by the elderly,  may be entitled to
utility discounts on electricity, water and telecommunications services.
SECTION 9. Implementing  Rules and Regulations -Within ninety (90) days or three
(3)  months from the approval of this Act,  the  National  Commission  on  Senior Citizens
(NCSC),  in coordination with other relevant implementing agencies like the  Department
of  Social  Welfare  and ,Development  (DSWD),  the  Department  of  Interior  and  Local
Government (DILG), and the Department of Health (DOH), and concerned stakeholders,
shall  formulate  and  promulgate  the  rules  and  regulations  necessary  for  the  effective
implementation of this Act.
SECTION  10.  Separability clause -If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.
SECTION   11.   Repealilng   Clause  -All   laws,   decrees,   executive   orders,   rules   or
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed
or modified accordingly.
SECTION 12. Effectivity -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in
the Official Gazette or in newspaper of general circulation.
Approved