Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.__934

Introduced by REP. RUWEL PETER S. GONZAGA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to provide additional benefits to senior citizens by granting
discounted payments on court fees, legal services and attorneys’ fees in criminal, civil
and administrative cases.

Article XV, Section 4 of the Constitution states that, “The family has the duty to
care for its elderly members but the State may also do so through just programs of
social security.” It is further reiterated in Article XIII, Section 11 of the Constitution
that... "There shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly,
disabled, women, and children.”

Under Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior
Citizens Act of 2010,” a twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the value
added tax (VAT), if applicable, on goods and services from all establishments, are given
to senior citizens. Further, it provides for discounts on the professional fees of attending
physicians in all private hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinics and home health
care services, among others. Senior citizens are also extended government assistance
in employment, education, health, social services, housing and foster care. They are
also granted social pension, mandatory PhilHealth coverage and other social safety
nets.

While the law gives senior citizens indispensable benefits to allow them to enjoy
their twilight years, there seems to be something lacking as far as addressing their legal
needs in cases wherein they are involved in disputes, subjected to fraud, suffered ill-
treatment, and similar cases. The elderly deserves to avail of the services of a lawyer
of their preference, aside from those offered for free by public attorneys.

Giving the highest priority to the elderly to live their lives to the fullest in comfort
and worry-free environment, paragraph (a) Section 4 of RA 7432 is hereby amended by
adding subparagraph (10) to address their needs with regards legal matters.

In view of the foregoing considerations, approval of this bill is earnestly

recommended.
ie ,

RUWEL PETER S. GONZA\


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2
HOUSE BILL NO. 534

Introduced by REP. RUWEL PETER S. GONZAGA

AN ACT
PROVIDING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO SENIOR CITIZENS,
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. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7432, as amended, is hereby further
amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens. — The senior
citizens shall be entitled to the following:

(a) 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 senior citizens:

(1) xxx
XXX Xxx XXX
(10) ON COURT FEES, LEGAL SERVICES AND

ATTORNEY FEES IN ALL CASES OF WHICH THEY ARE THE

RESPONDENTS OR AGGRIEVED PARTIES, SUBJECT TO THE

GUIDELINES TO BE ISSUED BY THE SUPREME COURT OF

THE PHILIPPINES.

xxx Xxx Xxx

bos 100 Xxx.”


SEC.2. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the
Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,