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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

429

HOUSE BILL NO. —

Introduced by REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG’” M. ORDANES:

AN ACT
EXPANDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND
PROVIDING ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES TO PRIVATE ENTITIES, FURTHER
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS AMENDED,
ENTITLED “AN ACT TO MAXIMIZE THE CONTRIBUTION OF SENIOR CITIZENS
TO NATION BUILDING, GRANT BENEFITS AND SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1986 Philippine Constitution recognizes the vital role of the elderly in nation-building
and mandates the State to provide a just and dignified standard of living for all citizens,
especially those in their twilight years. In line with this, various laws have been enacted to
promote the welfare of senior citizens, including Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by
Republic Acts Nos. 9257 and 9994, which grant benefits and special privileges to Filipino
senior citizens.

However, despite these laudable legislations, many senior citizens still face economic
insecurity, a lack of engagement in community life, and underutilization of their skills and
experiences. Many of them are still willing and able to work, contribute to society, and
support themselves and their families, but they are often denied the opportunity due to age
discrimination or a lack of enabling policies that promote their employability.


This bill seeks to further amend Republic Act No. 7432, as amended, by expanding
employment opportunities for senior citizens and encouraging private sector participation
through the grant of additional incentives. Specifically, the measure mandates government
agencies and private entities to develop inclusive hiring policies, promote part-time and
flexible work arrangements for senior citizens, and provide capacity-building support to
enhance their employability. To encourage private sector compliance, the bill provides
additional tax incentives to entities employing qualified senior citizens.

This proposed measure is grounded on the belief that senior citizens can continue to make
meaningful contributions to our economy and society when given the proper support and
opportunity. Empowering them through employment not only uplifts their dignity but also
addresses the broader challenges of poverty and social exclusion among the elderly.

It is also worth noting that the House of Representatives approved this bill on Third and
Final Reading, which was already transmitted to the Senate during the 19th Congress. The
approval by the House underscores the importance of this measure in our collective efforts

to improve the quality of life of our senior citizens.

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

RODOLFO “OMI |G” M. ORDANES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

429

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES

AN ACT
EXPANDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND
PROVIDING ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES TO PRIVATE ENTITIES, FURTHER
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS AMENDED,
ENTITLED “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:

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “Employment Opportunities for Senior
Citizens and Private Entities’ Incentives Act.”

SEC. 2. It is the policy of the State to promote the interest and welfare of senior
citizens by providing opportunities for gainful employment and by granting additional
incentives to private entities that employ senior citizens.

SEC. 3. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7432 as amended by Republic Act No. 9257,
otherwise known as “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003” and Republic Act No. 9994,
otherwise known as “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010”, is hereby further amended to
read as follows:

"SEC. 5. Government Assistance. - The government shall provide the following:
“(a) Employment

“Senior citizens who have the capacity and desire to work, or be re-employed,
shall be provided information and matching services OF AVAILABLE JOB

OPPORTUNITIES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

(DOLE), THROUGH THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICES, to enable


wen anne one

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them to be productive members of society. Terms of employment shall conform with
the provisions of the Labor Code, as amended, and other laws, rules, and regulations.

“ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND PRIVATE ENTITIES SHALL
INSTITUTE AN EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM THAT PROMOTES THE GENERAL
WELL-BEING OF SENIOR CITIZENS AND ENSURE ACCESS TO
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO THOSE WHO HAVE THE
QUALIFICATIONS, CAPACITY, AND INTEREST TO BE EMPLOYED. THE
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES SHALL INCLUDE CLERICAL OR
SECRETARIAL WORKS, CONSULTANCY, CLEANING OR JANITORIAL
SERVICES, EVENT ORGANIZING, TEACHING, KITCHEN HELP, SALES
ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING, AND OTHER JOBS OR
VOLUNTEER WORKS.

NOTHING IN THIS ACT SHALL PREVENT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
AND PRIVATE ENTITIES FROM HIRING QUALIFIED SENIOR CITIZENS FOR
CONSULTANCY AND OTHER SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS, OR FROM
INITIATING OR PROVIDING GREATER BENEFITS, OR IMPROVING THE
WORKING CONDITIONS, OR TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT OF SENIOR
CITIZENS BEYOND THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED BY
APPLICABLE LAWS.

“Private entities that [will] SHALL employ senior citizens as employees, upon the

effectivity of this Act, shall be entitled to an additional deduction from their gross income,
equivalent to [fifteen percent (15%)] TWENTY- FIVE PERCENT (25%) of the total amount
paid as salaries, [and] wages, BENEFITS, AND TRAININGS PROVIDED to senior
citizens, subject to the provision of Section 34 of the NIRC, as amended: Provided, however,
That such employment shall continue for a period of at least six (6) months|: Provided,
further, That the annual income of the senior citizen does not exceed the latest poverty
threshold as determined by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) of the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for that year].

“The [Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)] DOLE SHALL, in
coordination with other government agencies such as, [but not limited to,] the
[Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) and the] TECHNICAL
EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, THE Department of


Trade and Industry (DTI), AND THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (CSC),
[shall] assess, design, [and] implement, MONITOR AND EVALUATE training
programs that [will] provide skills and welfare or livelihood support for senior
citizens.
“b) x x x
“() x x x
“(d) x x x
“(ex x x
“Ox x x
"@)x x x
“(h) Additional Government Assistance
“() x x x
“Q) xx x
"Q) x x x
“(4) WAIVER OF FEES AND CHARGES. - ALL GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT-
OWNED AND CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UNITS, AND GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS SHALL NOT COLLECT FEES AND
CHARGES FROM SENIOR CITIZEN JOBSEEKERS FOR:
“(a) POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE;
“(b) NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION CLEARANCE;
“(c) BARANGAY CLEARANCE;
“(d) MEDICAL CERTIFICATE FROM A PUBLIC HOSPITAL: PROVIDED,
THAT FEES AND CHARGES FOR LABORATORY TESTS AND OTHER
MEDICAL PROCEDURES REQUIRED FOR THE GRANT OF A MEDICAL
CERTIFICATE SHALL NOT BE FREE OF CHARGE;
“(e) BIRTH CERTIFICATE;
“(€) MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE;
“(g) PROOFS OF IDENTIFICATION; and
“(h) OTHER DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT THAT
MAY BE REQUIRED BY EMPLOYERS FROM JOB APPLICANTS.”


SEC. 4. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of
Social Welfare and Development and the DOLE shall, in coordination with the National
Commission of Senior Citizens, DTI, CSC, and other government agencies and
stakeholders, issue the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. Republic Act No. 10911, otherwise known as the “Anti-Age Discrimination in
Employment Act” and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations shall have
suppletory application in cases involving employment of senior citizens not provided for
under this Act.

SEC. 6. If any portion or provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional,
the remainder provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and regulations,
ordinances, other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with any provision of
this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

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

Approved,