Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
House Bill No.9 7 0 't
Introduced by HON. RODOLFO ``OMPONG" M. ORDANES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
ln the age of digitalization and technological advancement, bridging the digital divide is crucial,
especially for vulnerable and underserved demographics, such as senior citizens. The elderly
frequently  have  trouble  utilizing  digital  interfaces,  which  can  lead  to  their  exclusion  from
essential government benefits and services.
The Department of Information  and  Communication Technology (DICT)  launched the eGov
PH  Super App,  which  offers  a single  portal for multi-sectoral  government transactions  and
services. It makes it easier for Filipinos worldwide to access government documents, permits,
identifications, and clearances.
In  line  with  this,  this  bill  recognizes  the  importance  of  inclusivity  in  digital  governance  by
ensuring that senior citizens, as valued members of society, are provided with the necessary
tools and access to government services.  It aims to integrate the senior citizen identification
card application and to accommodate senior cjtizens' concerns within the eGov PH Super App
to  ensure  equitable  access  to  government  services,  irrespective  of  age  or  technological
proficiency.
Establishing a senior citizen ID application within the eGov PH SuperApp is a convenient and
accessible means for the elderly to obtain senior citizen  ID cards that grant them access to
various government services and discounts. This feature streamlines the application process,
reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enabling seniors to quickly verify their identity and eligibility
for services through a user-friendly digital platform.
Moreover,  including  senior  citizens'  concerns  within  the  eGov  PH  Super App  signifies  a
commitment to digital inclusivity and accessibility. The application's dedicated section caters
to  senior citizens'  specific  needs  by  offering  tailored  services,  information,  and  resources,
empowering  them  to  navigate  through  available  government  offerings  independently  and
confidently.
Given the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
House Bill No.97 0 4
Introduced by HON. RODOLFO "OMPONG" M. ORDANES
AN ACT
PROMOTING SENIOR CITIZEN INCLUSION THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF SENIOR
CITIZEN IDENTIFICATION CARD APPLICATION AND OTHER SERVICES IN THE EGOV
PH SUPER APP
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to recognize
and   uphold  the  fundamental   rights   of  senior  citizens,   ensuring  their  equal   access  to
government services and acknowledging their invaluable contributions to society. The State
shall promote inclusivity, equity,  and accessibility jn using technology so that senior citizens
can  readily access and benefit from government services through  user-friendly and tailored
digital platforms.
SECTION 2. Amendment to the eGov PH Super App. The Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT) shall incorporate a dedicated section within the eGov PH
Super App platform specifically designed for senior citizens, which shall  include,  but not be
limited to, the following:
a.    application  process for the issuance of Senior Citizen  Identification Cards  (IDs) that
can be completed through the eGov PH Super App;
b.   access  to  various  government  services  tailored  to  the  needs  of  senior  citizens,
including healthcare and social services, among others;
c.    informational  resources  on  senior citizens'  rights,  benefits,  and  relevant  legislation,
and;
d.   a   user-friendly  interface  with  adjustable  text  sizes,   voice  assistance,   and  other
accessibility features to accommodate the diverse needs of the elderly population.
Provide that, the eGov PH SuperApp will only serve as an alternative means for senior citizens
to apply for their lDs and access any government services.
Senior citizens who do not have access to any digital devices and systems shall still have the
right  to  visit  their  respective  local  government  units  for  necessary  assistance  in  availing
government services physically or via their eLGU systems.


SECTION  3.  Identify  Verification  System  for  Senior  Citizens.  In  cases  where  senior
citizens do not possess their senior citizen lDs or mobile phones while availing discounts and
accessing government services through establishments utilizing the eGov PH SuperApp, an
alternative  identity verification system shall  be established to facilitate their access without
undue hindrance.
The alternative  identity verification  process shall  include,  but not be  limited to,  the following
methods:
a.    personal  identification through  relevant information,  such  as full  name,  date of birth,
address,  or  any  other  identifiable  details  available  within  the  eGov  PH  Super App
database, validated through personal questioning by authorized personnel or;
b.    biometric verification  methods,  including  fingerprint  scanning  or facial  recognition,  if
available and applicable, to confirm the identity of the senior citizen.
SECTION  4.  Collaboration  and  Consultation.  The  DICT  shall  collaborate  with  relevant
government agencies to ensure the comprehensive and effective implementation of the senior
citizen features within the eGov PH SuperApp.
Regular consultations and feedback mechanisms shall be established to continuously improve
and update the features and services provided to senior citizens within the eGov PH Super
App.
SECTION  5.  Information  Officer. The  DICT shall  assign  an  Information  Officer who  shall
ensure  that the  ICT systems for the  senior citizen  features  are  developed,  implemented,
properly secured, and compliant with standards as prescribed by the DICT and in accordance
with  relevant  laws,  rules,  and  regulations,  including  Republic Act  No.  10173,  or the  "Data
Privacy Act of 2012."
The Information Officer shall perform the following functions:
a.    Develop and supervise policies, strategies, and programs to enhance the accessibility,
usability, and inclusivity of digital services provided to senior citizens through the eGov
PH SuperApp.
b.   Coordinate  with  government  agencies,  nongovernmental  organizations,  advocacy
groups, and experts on senior citizen welfare to understand and address the unique
needs and challenges faced by the elderly population in utilizing digital platforms and
to conduct training programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns to educate senior
citizens about the functionalities and benefits of using digital services available through
the eGov PH SuperApp.
c.    Implement measures to ensure that the senior citizen features within the eGov PH
Super App  comply  with  accessibility  standards,  including  but  not  limited  to  varying
levels of technological literacy and visual impairments.
d.   Regular assessment and  improvement of the senior citizen features in response to
feedback, technological advancements, and changing needs of the elderly population.
The recruitment, selection, and appointment of the Information Officer assigned to the senior
citizen features shall be in accordance with the civil service law, rules and regulations, and the
competency standards prescribed by the DICT.


SECTION 6. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DICT. Thereafter, the amount
needed   for   its   continuous   implementation   shall   be   included   in   the   annual   General
Appropriations Act.
SECTION 7. Separability clause. If, for any reason, any section, clause, or term of this Act
is  held to  be  illegal,  invalid,  or unconstitutional,  such  parts not affected  by such declaration
shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION  8.  Repealing Clause. All laws,  presidential decrees,  issuance,  executive orders,
letters of instruction, rules, or regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 9. Effectivify clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes
first.
Approved,