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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fi RECEIVED
Quezon City E pare 05 AUS 25
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TWENTIETH CONGRESS ‘Say ij
First Regular Session Ko. Htity.

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HOUSE BILL No.3087 NDE:

Introduced by REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES

AN ACT
EXEMPTING SENIOR CITIZENS FROM THE PAYMENT OF ANY FEES FOR
THE ISSUANCE OF BARANGAY CERTIFICATIONS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the State to give priority to the needs of
the underprivileged, including senior citizens, and to provide them with care,
protection, and support in all phases of national development. In line with this, public
policies must recognize and address the everyday burdens experienced by our elderly
citizens.

Senior citizens often need to secure barangay-issued documents such as barangay
clearances, certificates of residency or indigency, and other similar certifications to
access social pension, health benefits, financial assistance, other government
programs, and private services.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority's 2022 Annual Poverty Indicators
Survey (APIS), nearly 47% of senior citizens in the country were not part of the labor
force and had limited or no regular income, with a significant portion relying solely
on informal support systems or government aid. For this vulnerable sector, even
seemingly small fees for these documents can pose a significant financial strain.

As such, this bill seeks to exempt all senior citizens from paying any fees or charges
for the issuance of barangay certifications for whatever legal purpose. It recognizes
that such documents are often necessary for a wide range of legal, administrative, and
institutional purposes, and ensures that financial limitations do not hinder senior


citizens from securing them. By institutionalizing this exemption, the proposed
measure affirms the State's commitment to upholding the dignity and welfare of
senior citizens.

The measure also provides for administrative sanctions against barangay officials or
personnel who violate the exemption and mandates the Department of the Interior
and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the National Commission of
Senior Citizens (NCSC), to issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations.

Given the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RODOLFO “0! ” M. ORDANES


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.3037

Introduced by REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES

AN ACT
EXEMPTING SENIOR CITIZENS FROM THE PAYMENT OF ANY FEES FOR
‘THE ISSUANCE OF BARANGAY CERTIFICATIONS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Free Barangay
Certifications for Senior Citizens Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to give full
respect to the dignity of every human person and uphold the right of all citizens to.
equal protection of the law. Under the 1987 Constitution, the State shall give priority
to the needs of the underprivileged, including senior citizens, and provide them with
necessary care, protection, and support in all stages of national development.

SEC. 3. Exemption from Payment of Barangay-Issued Certification Fees. - All
senior citizens shall be exempted from the payment of any fees or charges when
obtaining the following documents from their respective barangays for whatever legal
Purpose:

Barangay Clearance

. Certificate of Residency
Certificate of Indigency

. Other certifications issued by the barangay that may be required for any
legal, administrative, or institutional purpose, including but not limited
to the availment of benefits granted to senior citizens under existing,
laws, ordinances, or government programs, and other private services.

SEC. 4, Administrative Sanctions. ~ Any barangay official or personnel who
knowingly impose or collect fees from senior citizens in violation of this Act shall be
liable for administrative sanctions under existing laws and regulations

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SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ The Department of the Interior
and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the National Commission of
Senior Citizens (NCSC), shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and
regulations within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held
unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder shall not be affected and shall continue to
be in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules and
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.