Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo, 9908

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA
Representatives CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE and NERI J. COLMENARES

AN ACT GRANTING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO
SENIOR CITIZENS, FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS
AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “AN ACT TO MAXIMIZE THE
CONTRIBUTION OF SENIOR CITIZENS TO NATION BUILDING, GRANT
BENEFITS AND SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by Republic Act No. 9257 and Republic Act No.
9994, otherwise known as “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003” and “Expanded Senior
Citizens Act of 2010” respectively, was enacted in fulfilment of the constitutional right of people
to an integrated and comprehensive health development. In line with this right is an obligation
by the government to make essential goods, health and other social services available to people
at affordable cost with due prioritization to the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women,
and children as stated in Article XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution,

In the existing law, food and medicines are already covered by the provision granting
20% discount and an exemption from the value-added tax (VA'T) for senior citizens, In line with
the spirit of this law, this bill secks to further amend Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by
Republic Act No. 9994, relating to the coverage of the 20% discount and exemption from the
value-added tax (VAT) by including Food an Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nutritional
food and drinks in the said provision.

‘This proposed measure would help the elderly, most especially the underprivileged ones,
gain access to FDA-approved nutritional food and drinks. These products usually come in
relatively unaffordable prices which make it accessible only to few. However, these products
have high potential of improving the health of our elderlies by boosting their nutrition and aiding
their digestion which is a common concer among elderlies. Illnesses like diabetes, renal
disorder and hypertension are also common which make them resort to nutritional food and


drinks. This kind of opportunity for health development should be made accessible to every
senior citizen.

The measure sought for will update and enhance the original act by expanding its scope
while putting in mind the new options brought to us by the technological innovation of our time
that can uphold one of the act’s objective of improving the total well-being of the elderly.

Iti in view of the foregoing that the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

Approved,

Bayan MunarPanty-List



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon Ci

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.0 903

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA
Representatives CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE and NERI J. COLMENARES

AN ACT GRANTING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO
SENIOR CITIZENS, FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS
AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “AN ACT TO MAXIMIZE THE
CONTRIBUTION OF SENIOR CITIZENS TO NATION BUILDING, GRANT
BENEFITS AND SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

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

ens Act of 2015.”

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Expanded Senior Ci

SECTION 2. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by Republic Act 9994, otherwise
known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” is hereby further amended with
subsection (i) to be added to read as follows

SEC. 2. Definition of terms. - For purposes of this Act, these terms are defined as follows:

"(@) Senior citizen or elderly refers to any resident citizen of the Philippines at least

sixty (60) years old;
<@) Nutrition: ind dein! beve duct
approved by the Food and Drug Administration which contains
micronutrients and we i ior citizens anc
individuals wl f i i ‘ition, obesity, renal


similar cases.

SECTION 3. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by Republic Act No. 9994,
otherwise known as “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010”, is hereby further amended with
new subsection (a) (10) to be added to read as follows

"SEC. 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens.-

The senior citizens shall be entitled to the following:

"(@) 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
(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).
“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;

xxx

SECTION 4. Separability clause If any section or provision of this Act shall be declared
‘unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue
to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause- Laws, rules and regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with
the provision of this Act are deemed modified, revoked or repealed accordingly.

SECTION 6. Fffctivly- This law shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.