Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No4974

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This proposal aims to include one (1) sectoral representative from the ranks of senior
citizens in local legislative councils. Republic Act No. 7432, As Amended, or the Senior Citizen
Law, defines “senior citizen” or “elderly” as any resident of the Philippines at least sixty (60) years
old,

Innate in the Filipino culture is the value of respecting and obeying our elders. They are
considered as important and integral part not only of the Filipino family, but the community as
well. They play a crucial role in many decision-making instances. Many socio-civie organizations
even adopt a “Council of Elders” composed mainly of seniors in order to provide them wisdom
and guidance in their affairs.

While there are already adequate provisions under our existing laws for the benefit,
protection and equal treatment of senior citizens, their direct participation in crafting policies
especially at the local level is somewhat wanting. Their valuable inputs in local legislation must
be recognized and expressed by a representative coming from their ranks in the local Sanggunian
After all, who more than themselves would know what matters to enact that would properly benefit,
their own sector.

‘This bill will also benefit local legislative councils aside from directly benefiting the senior
citizen sector. These bodies will be recipients of the wisdom and experience of senior citizens.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

ROZZZNO Lh B. on

Representative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No, 4971

Introduced by HON, ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

AN ACT
AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE
KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991, TO INCLUDE ONE (1)
SECTORAL REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE RANKS OF SENIOR CIT N
LOCAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Section 41 paragraph (c) of Republic Act No. 7160 is hereby amended
to read as follows:

“Sec. 41. Manner of Election. - xxx

c) In addition thereto, there shall be one (1) sectoral representative from the
women, one (1) from the workers, ONE (1) FROM THE SENIOR CITIZENS,
and one (1) from any of the following sectors: the urban poor, indigenous cultural
communities, disabled persons, or any other sector as may be determined by the
Sanggunian concerned within ninety (90) days prior to the holding of the next local
elections, as may be provided for by law. The Comelec shall promulgate the rules
and regulations to effectively provide for the election of such sectoral
representatives.

Section 446 paragraph (b) of Republic Act No. 7160 is hereby amended to read

“See, 446, Composition, ~ xxx

(b) In addition thereto, there shall be [three (3)] FOUR (4) sectoral
‘one (1) from the women|;], ONE (1) FROM THE SENIOR
CITIZENS; and, as shall be determined by the sanggunian concerned within
ninety (90) days prior to the holding of local elections, one (1) from the agricultural



or industrial workers; and one (1) from the other sectors, including the urban poor,
indigenous cultural communities, or disabled persons.”

See, 3. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is subsequently declared
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall remain
in full force and effect.

Sec. 4. Repeating Clause. ~ All laws, acts, presidential decrees, executive orders,
issuances, presidential proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are contrary
to and inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

ec. 5. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication either in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,