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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

“3280

House Bill No.

“Introduced by Representative Marjorie Ann “Maan” A. Teodoro

EXPLANATORY NOTEW.-

This bill seeks to declare June 15 of every year as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
in the entire country to raise awareness on all forms of abuses encountered by our senior
citizens and on the social, economic and cultural impact of these abuses on them.

The state acknowledges the importance of our senior citizens to nation-building as
they are integrated in our society in many ways. They have contributed to our economic,
social, and political progress. In fact, we ow our existence and identity to them through the
wisdom they have bestowed. upon the younger generation. However, as they age, they are
more prone to vulnerability. They start to experience adversity to their social protection. For
that reason, our State have passed laws to ensure them equal protection and security,
including Republic Act No. 7432 or An Act To Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens To
Nation Building, Grant Benefits and Special Privileges and For Other Purposes which was further
amended by Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, due to the developing
needs of our senior citizens.

However, despite the passage of these legislations, there seems to be a lack of
provisions targeted towards elder abuse. According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), elder abuse is defined as “a single or repeated act, or even lack of appropriate action,
that occurs within any relationship where there is an exception of trust, which causes harm or
distress to an older person”,

The WHO reported that in 2022, 1 in 6 elders aged 60 years and ahove have
experienced some form of abuse within their community. Unfortunately, most of these cases
occur in places where the care and supervision of senior citizens are provided including
nursing homes, medical institutions, and sometimes even in their respective homes or
residences. Apparently, the rate of elder abuse seemed to have increased during the COVID-
19 pandemic because of strict community quarantine measures imposed by the government.
‘This forced our elders in isolation with their perpetrators,

Elder abuse is a serious predicament we need to address. It is our duty to not only
provide them with all kinds of protection and social services but raise awareness against this
public crime. It can result to emotional, mental, and physical trauma which can make recovery
more difficult to handle.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day is held globally on June 15 of every year. This day came
into light in 2006 when the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA)
requested for its celebration to create awareness to this public health and human rights issue.
In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly acknowledged its importance and resolved to


officially establish its celebration yearly through Resolution A/RES/66/127. The resolution
invites all stakeholders, including Member States, and organizations of the United Nations
system and other international and regional organizations in observation of this day
significantly! This became an avenue for the whole world to speak up.

Therefore, In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly
requested.

MARJORIB ANN “JAAR” A. TEODORO

* htps://www.un.ore/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day/background


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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

a 3280

House Bill No. '

Introduced by Representative Marjorie Ann “Maan” A. Teodoro

AN ACT
DECLARING JUNE 15 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE
ENTIRE COUNTRY TO BE KNOWN AS “ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY”

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

SECTION 1. June 15 of every year is hereby declared to be a special working public holiday
in the entire country to be known as “Elder Abuse Awareness Day” as a reminder of our

continuous fight against all kinds of injustices towards our senior citizens.

SEC. 2, The Commissioner of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) shall, i
coordination with the Secretary of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
plan and implement activities of the continuing dissemination and information campaign
against elder abuse in the country.

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or

in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,