Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 779
Introduced by  REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA  OF SENIOR CITIZENS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The aging population in the Philippines is growing rapidly, with senior citizens 
representing a significant and increasing proportion of the national demographic. 
According to recent statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority, in August 20221, 
senior citizens constitute around 8.5% of the total population, which is expected to rise 
in the coming years. This demographic shift presents both opportunities and 
challenges, requiring comprehensive and effective policies that ensure the dignity, 
well-being, and full participation of older persons in society. 
The proposed Magna Carta of Senior Citizens aims to address the multifaceted 
needs of our elderly population by establishing a robust legal framework that 
consolidates and enhances existing laws, programs, and services for senior citizens. It 
seeks to provide a clear and coherent set of rights, privileges, and protections tailored 
to the unique circumstances of older persons, thereby promoting their social, 
economic, and cultural inclusion. 
The Magna Carta builds upon the provisions of Republic Act No. 9994, or the 
“Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” and other legislations, presidential decrees, and 
memoranda by introducing new measures that reflect the evolving needs of senior 
1 h#ps://www.psa.gov.ph/content/age-and-sex-distribu9on-philippine-popula9on-2020-census-popula9on-and-housing 
July 1, 2025
12:54 pm


citizens. These include enhanced healthcare services, increased social protection, and 
greater support for seniors' continued active engagement in their communities. 
This bill is grounded in the principles of social justice and human rights, 
recognizing the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to our society and affirming 
the state's responsibility to protect their welfare. The Magna Carta of Senior Citizens 
is not just a policy document but a declaration of our commitment to ensuring that 
older persons live with dignity, security, and fulfillment. 
Given the urgent need to address the challenges faced by our aging population, 
the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 779 
Introduced by  REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES 
and REP. LORETO S. AMANTE 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA  OF SENIOR CITIZENS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
TITLE I  
1 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
2 
3 
CHAPTER I  
4 
BASIC PRINCIPLE 
5 
6 
SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known and cited as the “Magna Carta of 
7 
Senior Citizens.” 
8 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy — As provided in the Constitution of the 
9 
Republic of the Philippines, it is the declared policy of the State to promote a just and 
10 
dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation 
11 
and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social 
12 
services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living and an improved 
13 
quality of life. In the Declaration of Principles and State Policies in Article II, Sections 
14 
10 and 11, it is further declared that the State shall provide social justice in all phases 
15 
of national development and that the State values the dignity of every human person 
16 
and guarantees full respect for human rights. 
17 
Article XIII, Section 11 of the Constitution provides that the State shall adopt an 
18 
integrated and comprehensive approach to health development, which shall 
19 


 
endeavor to make essential goods, health, and other social services available to all the 
1 
people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged, 
2 
sick, elderly, disabled, women and children. Article XV, Section 4 of the Constitution 
3 
further declares that it is the duty of the family to take care of its elderly members 
4 
while the State may design programs of social security for them. 
5 
The grant of the rights and privileges for senior citizens shall be guided by 
6 
the following principles: 
7 
1. To acknowledge the fundamental rights of senior citizens, ensuring their equal 
8 
access to government services, discounts, and privileges in recognition of their 
9 
invaluable contribution to society; 
10 
2. To recognize the rights of senior citizens to take their proper place in society 
11 
and make it a concern of the family, community, and government; 
12 
3. To promote inclusivity, equity, and accessibility to goods and services to 
13 
enable senior citizens, through standardized benefits and incentives, to enjoy 
14 
adequate social services, decent standard of living, and improved quality; 
15 
4. To adopt measures whereby our senior citizens are assisted and appreciated 
16 
by the community as a whole, provide services and activities beneficial to 
17 
senior citizens, their families and the communities they serve, and establish 
18 
community-based health and rehabilitation, educational and socio-economic 
19 
programs for all senior citizens; 
20 
5. To extend assistance to the elderly citizens through programs of social security, 
21 
and promote the right to health and safety of senior citizens through a social 
22 
care and security program; 
23 
6. To provide a comprehensive health care and rehabilitation system for disabled 
24 
senior citizens to foster their capacity to attain a more meaningful and 
25 
productive ageing;  
26 
7. To give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of the elderly 
27 
and their full participation in society, considering that senior citizens are 
28 
integral part of Philippine society; 
29 
8. To motivate and encourage the senior citizens to contribute to nation building; 
30 
9. To recognize the important role of the private sector in the improvement of the 
31 
welfare of senior citizens and to actively seek their partnership; and 
32 
10. To encourage their families and the communities they live with to reaffirm the 
33 
valued Filipino tradition of caring for the senior citizens. 
34 
SEC. 3. Coverage. — This Act shall cover all resident citizen of the Philippines at 
35 
least sixty (60) years and above, and to the extent herein provided, departments, offices 
36 
and agencies of the National Government and nongovernment organizations involved 
37 
in the attainment of the objectives of this Act. 
38 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, these terms are defined 
39 
as follows: 
40 
(a) Employer refers to any person or entity that employs individual, including 
41 
government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations; 
42 


 
(b) Employment refers to the situation where senior citizen is being employed to 
1 
perform either menial, professional, managerial or administrative work and is 
2 
paid salaries by the employer as compensation for services rendered; 
3 
(c) DSWD refers to the Department of Social Welfare and Development that is 
4 
mandated under Executive Order No. 15, series of 1998 to provide assistance to 
5 
local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), 
6 
national government agencies (NGAs), peoples organization (POs), and other  
7 
members of civil society in effectively implementing programs, projects and 
8 
services that will alleviate poverty and empower disadvantaged individuals, 
9 
families and communities for an improved quality of life; 
10 
(d) Senior citizen or elderly refers to any resident citizen of the Philippines at least 
11 
sixty (60) years old; 
12 
(e)  Geriatrics refers to the branch of medical science devoted to the study of the 
13 
biological and physical changes and the diseases of old age; 
14 
(f) Lodging establishment refers to a building, edifice, structure, apartment or house 
15 
including tourist inn, apartelle, motorist hotel, and pension house engaged in 
16 
catering, leasing or providing facilities to transients, tourists or travelers; 
17 
(g) Medical Services refer to hospital services, professional services of physicians 
18 
and other health care professionals and diagnostics and laboratory tests that 
19 
the necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury; 
20 
(h)  Dental services to oral examination, cleaning, permanent and temporary filling, 
21 
extractions and gum treatments, restoration, replacement or repositioning of 
22 
teeth, or alteration of the alveolar or periodontium process of the maxilla and 
23 
the mandible that are necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or 
24 
injury; 
25 
(i)  DOH refers to the Department of Health which is mandated to oversee the 
26 
implementation of policies and programs at the regional level and in the 
27 
retained health facilities within the region, handle the enforcement of health 
28 
regulatory policies and directly relate to LGUs, NGOs, POs and the private 
29 
sector in the development of local health systems, extension of technical and 
30 
other kind of assistance in the field of health; 
31 
(j)  Nearest surviving relative refers to the legal spouse who survives the deceased 
32 
senior citizen: Provided, That where no spouse survives the decedent, this shall 
33 
be limited to relatives in the following order of degree of kinship: children, 
34 
parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, uncles and aunts; 
35 
(k)  NCSC refers to the National Commission of Senior Citizens that is mandated 
36 
under RA 11350, to promote the advocacy of and collaborate between different 
37 
stakeholders and senior citizens (SCs) to ensure the effective implementation 
38 
of various programs and services, particularly on the development of SCs and 
39 
advancing their health, and well-being, and ensuring a supportive and 
40 
enabling environment for the elderly; 
41 
(l) Home health care service refers to health or supportive care provided to the senior 
42 


 
citizen patient at home by licensed health care professionals to include, but not 
1 
limited to, physicians, nurses, midwives, physical therapist and caregivers; 
2 
(m) 
Indigent senior citizen, refers to any elderly who is frail, sickly or with 
3 
disability, and without pension or permanent source of income, compensation 
4 
or financial assistance from his/her relatives to support his/her basic needs, 
5 
as determined by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) in 
6 
consultation with the Department of Social Welfare and development 
7 
(DSWD); 
8 
(n) Medical Needs refers to “medical necessity.” These are services that are: · 
9 
provided for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or relief of a health condition, 
10 
illness, injury, or disease; and except for clinical trials that are described; 
11 
(o) Optical Needs refers to the needs of senior citizens to aid their visuals/vision; 
12 
(p) Public Transportation means transportation by air, land and sea that provides 
13 
the public with general or special service on a regular and continuing basis; 
14 
(q) Regular Support from the Family refers to the material and/or financial support 
15 
being provided on a regular basis to the senior citizen by any family member 
16 
or relative, and; 
17 
(r) TESDA refers to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
18 
mandated to manage and supervise technical education and skills 
19 
development (TESD) in the Philippines. It was created by virtue of Republic 
20 
Act 7796, otherwise known as the “Technical Education and Skills 
21 
Development Act of 1994”. The said Act integrated the functions of the former 
22 
National Manpower and Youth Council (NYMC), the Bureau of Technical-
23 
Vocational Education of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports 
24 
(BTVE-DECS) and the Office of Apprenticeship of the Department of Labor 
25 
and Employment (DOLE). 
26 
 
27 
TITLE II 
28 
RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF SENIOR CITIZENS 
29 
 
30 
CHAPTER I 
31 
EMPLOYMENT 
32 
 
33 
SEC. 5. Employment of Senior Citizens. – Senior citizens who have the capacity 
34 
and desire to work, or be re-employed, shall be provided information and 
35 
corresponding services of available job opportunities by the Department of Labor and 
36 
Employment (DOLE), through the Public Employment Service Offices, to enable them 
37 
to be productive members of society. The terms of employment shall conform with the 
38 
provisions of the Labor Code, as amended, and other laws, rules, and regulations. 
39 
SEC. 6. Employment Program for Senior Citizens. – All government agencies and 
40 
private entities shall institute an employment program that shall promote the general 
41 
welfare and well-being of senior citizens and ensure access to employment 
42 


 
opportunities to those who have the qualifications, capacity and interest to be 
1 
employed. The employment opportunities shall include but not limited to clerical or 
2 
secretarial works, consultancy, cleaning or janitorial services, event organizing, 
3 
teaching, kitchen help, sales assistance, business process outsourcing and other jobs or 
4 
volunteer works not otherwise prohibited by law. 
5 
SEC. 7. Employment Program Monitoring. – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) 
6 
and the DOLE shall co-lead the implementation and monitoring of employment 
7 
programs created and intended for senior citizens. 
8 
SEC. 8. Training Programs for Senior Citizens. – The NCSC, in consultation with 
9 
the TESDA, shall design and implement training programs that shall provide senior 
10 
citizens with vocational skills to enable them to obtain gainful employment or engage 
11 
in livelihood activities. 
12 
SEC. 9. Incentives for Private Entities. – Private entities that shall employ senior 
13 
citizens as employees, upon the effectivity of this Act, shall be entitled to an additional 
14 
deduction from their gross income equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total 
15 
amount paid as salaries, wages, benefits, and trainings provided to senior citizens. 
16 
Provided, however, that such employment shall continue for a period of at least six (6) 
17 
months: Provided, further, That the annual income of the senior citizen does not 
18 
exceed the latest poverty threshold as determined by the National Statistical 
19 
Coordination Board (NSCB) of the National Economic and Development Authority 
20 
(NEDA) for that year. 
21 
SEC. 10. Exemption from Training Fees. – Senior citizens shall be exempted from 
22 
training fees for socio-economic programs conducted by private and government 
23 
agencies. 
24 
SEC. 11. Budget Allocation for Senior Citizen Training. – All government offices 
25 
and Local Government Units (LGU) shall allocate budget for training programs for 
26 
their respective senior citizen employees and personnel. 
27 
SEC. 12.  Prohibited Acts of Discrimination. – The Following are prohibited acts 
28 
by employers: 
29 
a. Discrimination in hiring, promotion, job advertisement and benefits of 
30 
senior citizens is prohibited except as Bona Fide Occupational Qualification 
31 
if age is a necessary qualification for a particular job such as physical or 
32 
performance-related criteria, is allowed if reasonably justified; 
33 
b. Deny any employee’s or worker's promotion or opportunity for training 
34 
because of old age; 
35 
c. Forcibly lay off an employee or worker because of old age; or 
36 
d. Impose early retirement on the basis of such employee's or worker's age. 
37 
 
38 
CHAPTER II 
39 
HEALTH 
40 
 
41 


 
SEC. 13. Health Care Service. – The DOH, in coordination with LGUs, as well as 
1 
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Private Organizations (POs) for senior 
2 
citizens, shall institute a national health program, that includes a comprehensive 
3 
nutrition and wellness program, and shall provide an integrated health service for 
4 
senior citizens. It shall train community-based health workers among senior citizens 
5 
and health personnel to specialize in the geriatric care and health problems of senior 
6 
citizens. The national health program for senior citizens shall, among others, be 
7 
harmonized with the National Prevention of Blindness Program of the DOH. 
8 
SEC. 14. Provision of Senior Citizens’ Ward. – Throughout the country, there 
9 
shall be established a “senior citizens’ ward” in every government hospital. This 
10 
geriatric ward shall be for the exclusive use of senior citizens who are in need of 
11 
hospital confinement by reason of their health conditions. However, when urgency of 
12 
public necessity purposes so require, such geriatric ward may be used for emergency 
13 
purposes, after which, such “senior citizens’ ward” shall be reverted to its nature as 
14 
geriatric ward. 
15 
SEC. 15. Home and Community Care Services. – The NCSC, in coordination with 
16 
the DSWD and DOH, shall create a national program for the furtherance of home care 
17 
support services for senior citizen. The program shall provide social preparation 
18 
across all sectors and target communities to enhance interest in home and community 
19 
care approach.  
20 
SEC. 16. Senior Citizen Care Program. – There shall be created a program that 
21 
shall provide intervention based on a helping plan which focuses on the assessment 
22 
and enhancement of Home Care, Respite Services, Physical Fitness Program, Kinship 
23 
Care, Palliative Care and Spiritual Services. The NCSC as mandated by Republic Act 
24 
11350, in collaboration with DSWD, shall provide the LGUs with technical assistance 
25 
through coaching in terms of program monitoring, mentoring and skills enhancement 
26 
of all interested parties and volunteers that may be formed as a result of this Act.  
27 
SEC. 17. Primary Care. – This Act recognizes the family as the immediate carer 
28 
of senior citizen. The NCSC shall hereby establish a program for reintegration of 
29 
abandoned, neglected, frail, abused and exploited senior citizen to the nearest 
30 
surviving relative, Provided, that the said relative has the capacity and means to 
31 
support and provide for the senior citizen as deemed and certified by the NCSC. 
32 
The NCSC shall provide technical and financial support to the nearest surviving 
33 
relative of the senior citizen thru the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations 
34 
(AICS) at the onset of the reintegration. Vocational training specifics and collaborative 
35 
implementation of primary care shall be provided by NCSC and DOH. 
36 
SEC. 18.  Establishment of New Residential Care Facilities. – There shall be 
37 
established in every congressional district, a residential care facility to serve 
38 
abandoned and homeless senior citizen, to be built by the LGUs concerned in 
39 
cooperation with the NCSC and shall be jointly operated and maintained by the LGU, 
40 
DSWD and DOH.
41 


 
SEC. 19. Other Health Care Privileges. – The granting of twenty percent (20%) 
1 
discount and exemption from the value -added tax (VAT) to the following: 
2 
a. Free medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory fees such as, but 
3 
not limited to, x-rays, computerized tomography scans and blood tests, in 
4 
all government facilities, subject to the guidelines to be issued by the DOH 
5 
in coordination with the PhilHealth; 
6 
b. The DOH shall administer free vaccination against the influenza virus and 
7 
pneumococcal disease for indigent senior citizen patients. 
8 
c. The exemption from the Value-Added Tax (VAT) and the provision of 
9 
twenty percent (20%) discount shall apply to the following: 
10 
i. 
On the purchase of prescription and non-prescription medicines 
11 
and drugs, vitamins and minerals supplements and food for 
12 
medical purposes, medically prescribed by a physician, including 
13 
the purchase of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, and such 
14 
other essential medical supplies, accessories and equipment to be 
15 
determined by the Department of Health (DOH). "The DOH shall 
16 
establish guidelines and mechanism of compulsory rebates in the 
17 
sharing of burden of discounts among retailers, manufacturers 
18 
and distributors, taking into consideration their respective 
19 
margins; 
20 
ii. 
On the professional fees of attending physician/s in all private 
21 
hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinics and home health 
22 
care services; 
23 
iii. 
On the professional fees of licensed professional health providing 
24 
home health care services as endorsed by private hospitals or 
25 
employed through home health care employment agencies; and 
26 
iv. 
on medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory fees in 
27 
all private hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinics, and 
28 
home health care services, in accordance with the rules and 
29 
regulations to be issued by the DOH, in coordination with the 
30 
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). 
31 
SEC. 20. Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage. – All indigent senior citizens shall be 
32 
covered by the national health insurance program of PhilHealth. The LGUs where the 
33 
indigent senior citizens resides shall allocate the necessary funds to ensure the 
34 
enrollment of their indigent senior citizens in accordance with the pertinent laws and 
35 
regulations. 
36 
SEC. 21. Repeal of Purchase of Booklet Requirement. – Effective upon the 
37 
enactment of this Act, the requirement for senior citizens to utilize purchase booklets 
38 
by National Government Agencies such as DOH to access benefits and discount shall 
39 
be repealed. All references to purchase booklets in existing regulations, and 
40 
administrative guidelines are hereby nullified and shall be amended accordingly. 
41 


 
SEC. 22. Establishment of QR Coding System. – The NCSC is hereby authorized 
1 
and directed to develop, implement, and maintain a Quick Response (QR) coding 
2 
system for senior citizen benefits and discount. 
3 
The QR coding system shall: 
4 
a. Be issued uniquely to each qualifying senior citizen; 
5 
b. Be capable of real-time verification of eligibility and transaction tracking; 
6 
and 
7 
c. Be integrated with existing business and service provider systems to ensure 
8 
unified application of benefits and discounts. 
9 
The NCSC shall establish guidelines for the issuance, use, and renewal of QR 
10 
codes, and ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to prevent 
11 
unauthorized use. 
12 
SEC. 23. Safeguards Against Misuse of QR Coding System. – The QR coding 
13 
system shall include mechanisms to prevent and detect misuse, including but not 
14 
limited to: 
15 
a. Real-time validation of transactions against eligibility criteria; 
16 
b. Tracking of the frequency and nature of benefits and discount accessed; and 
17 
c. Immediate reporting of suspected fraudulent activity to the NCSC. 
18 
Businesses and service providers shall have the right to verify the legitimacy 
19 
of QR codes presented and to deny benefits if misuse is detected. 
20 
 
21 
CHAPTER III 
22 
BASIC NECESSITIES AND PRIME COMMODITIES 
23 
 
24 
SEC. 24. Discounts on Goods and Services. – Senior citizens shall be entitled to 
25 
the following: 
26 
a. Twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the value-added tax 
27 
(VAT) on goods and services, as provided under Section 4 of Republic Act 
28 
(RA) No. 7432, otherwise known as the “Senior Citizens Act,” as amended, 
29 
which shall be applied on the final price of the goods and services after a 
30 
promotional offer of discount, if any has been provided, including 
31 
membership 
privilege, 
and 
dining 
cards, 
extended 
by 
business 
32 
establishments, upon presentation of a valid identification card verifying the 
33 
status of the senior citizens: Provided, That the input tax attributable to VAT-
34 
exempt transactions granted to senior citizens shall be allowed as credit 
35 
against the output tax but should be treated as deductible expense. In no case 
36 
shall a promotion or discount offered by a business establishment to the 
37 
senior citizen be considered in compliance with Section 4 of RA No. 7432, as 
38 
amended; and 
39 
b. Special discount of five percent (5%) on the purchase of basic necessities and 
40 
prime commodities, which shall be applied on the final price of the goods or 
41 
services after a promotional offer or discount extended by business 
42 


 
establishments: Provided, That the total amount of discounted purchases of 
1 
senior citizens for basic necessities and prime commodities shall not exceed 
2 
the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (Php 2,500) per calendar 
3 
week without carry over of the unused amount: Provided, That the said 
4 
amount shall be spent on items commensurate to the personal and exclusive 
5 
consumption of the senior citizen or person with disability: Provided, further, 
6 
That said amount shall be adjusted by the Department of Trade and Industry 
7 
(DTI), Department of Agriculture, and Department of Energy every five (5) 
8 
years to its present value using the Consumer Price Index, as published by 
9 
the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); 
10 
SEC. 25. Discount on take-out/take-home and Drive-Thru Orders. – The 20% 
11 
discount shall apply to Take-Out/Take-Home/Drive-Thru orders (excluding bulk 
12 
orders) of senior citizen who can show valid ID card or any government-issued ID 
13 
bearing the name and birth date of the senior citizen. In case of an authorized 
14 
representative, the senior citizen ID or any government-issued ID bearing the name 
15 
and birth date of the senior citizen, an authorization letter bearing the signature or 
16 
thumb mark of the senior citizen may be presented. 
17 
SEC. 26. Online Transaction Services. – The availment of 20% and 5% Special 
18 
Discount shall apply to online purchases of senior citizens. A Senior Citizen shall be 
19 
entitled to the grant of 20% discount and 12% VAT-exempt on their online purchase of 
20 
good and services; and 5% special discount for basic necessities and prime 
21 
commodities provided herein, for their exclusive use and enjoyment. 
22 
SEC. 27. Use of Online Applications and Digital Service Providers. – Senior 
23 
citizens shall be entitled to 20% discount on service and convenience fees being 
24 
charged by online applications and digital service providers, provided the application 
25 
is registered in the name of the senior citizen. 
26 
 
27 
CHAPTER IV 
28 
SOCIAL SERVICES 
29 
 
30 
SEC. 28. Universal Social Pension. – All senior citizens shall be entitled to a 
31 
monthly stipend amounting to at least One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) to augment 
32 
the daily subsistence and other medical needs upon the effectivity of this Act. 
33 
SEC. 29. Expanded Centenarians’ Program. – All Filipinos, whether residing in 
34 
the Philippines or abroad, upon reaching the age of one hundred (100) years old, shall 
35 
receive a cash gift of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) and a letter of 
36 
felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or 
37 
her longevity. 
38 
 
All Filipinos, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, upon reaching the 
39 
ages of eighty (80), eighty-five (85), ninety (90), and ninety-five (95), shall each receive 
40 
a cash gift of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00). 
41 


 
SEC. 30. NCSC as Lead Agency. – The NCSC shall lead the implementation of the 
1 
Universal Social Pension and Expanded Centenarians Program, and shall conduct 
2 
periodic review of compliance therewith. 
3 
SEC. 31. Exclusive Budget for Senior Citizens. – All national government 
4 
agencies, executive departments, bureaus, office agencies, and local government units 
5 
shall set aside at three percent (3%) of their total budget for programs, projects, and 
6 
activities exclusive for senior citizens such as: 
7 
a. care facilities, but not limited to residential and other home care support 
8 
services; 
9 
b. recreational facilities, but not limited to parks and free access to theaters and 
10 
movie houses; 
11 
c. health and wellness, but not limited to medicines and vitamins; and 
12 
d. such other programs and projects that shall promote the total well-being of a 
13 
senior citizen. 
14 
SEC. 32. Disaster Relief Aid/Assistance. – Local government units (LGUs) shall 
15 
provide social safety assistance to cushion the effects of recessions, disasters, and 
16 
calamities among senior citizens. The social safety assistance which shall include food, 
17 
medicines, and financial assistance for domicile repair shall be sourced from the Local 
18 
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund of LGUs subject to the guidelines  
19 
issued by the NCSC. 
20 
SEC. 33. Disaster Reduction and Management. – Each LGU shall establish 
21 
permanent and resilient and early warning messaging and signs: 
22 
a. Shelter shall be designed to cater to older persons:  
23 
b. Early Warning Signs (EWS) messaging that is in a format that is inclusive of 
24 
the needs of seniors with disability; and 
25 
c. All older persons shall be included in all phases of Disaster Risk Reduction 
26 
(DRR) Management- before, during and after disaster. 
27 
SEC. 34. Free Legal Services on Elderly Abuse. Public Attorney’s Office shall 
28 
provide free legal assistance and services to indigent senior citizens.  
29 
 
30 
CHAPTER V 
31 
ACCESSIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE 
32 
 
33 
SEC. 35. Accessible Infrastructure. – Public and private buildings, facilities, and 
34 
services shall be designed or adapted to be accessible to senior citizens, which includes, 
35 
but not limited to, the installation of ramps, elevators, priority seats and accessible 
36 
restrooms. 
37 
SEC. 36. Express Lane Privileges. – Accessible express lanes for senior citizens 
38 
shall be provided in all private, banking, commercial, and government establishments; 
39 
in the absence thereof, priority shall be given to them. 
40 


 
SEC. 37. Right to Information Accessibility. – Senior citizens shall have the right 
1 
to access information in formats that are easy to understand and use, such as large 
2 
print, braille, and digital formats compatible with assistive technologies. 
3 
SEC. 38. Right to Technological Assistance. – Programs to provide senior citizens 
4 
with access to and training in the use of modern technology shall be implemented, 
5 
ensuring they can participate fully in the digital age. 
6 
SEC. 39. Port Operation Improvement. – Airports and seaports shall provide 
7 
facilities that will aid the safe access and convenience of senior citizens in the use 
8 
thereof. 
9 
 
10 
CHAPTER VI 
11 
POLITICAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS 
12 
 
13 
SEC. 40. Integration of Senior Citizens in Political Parties. – The State shall 
14 
provide incentives to political parties with senior citizens agenda. It shall likewise 
15 
encourage the integration of senior citizen in their leadership hierarchy, internal 
16 
policy-making structures, appointive, and electoral nominating processes. 
17 
SEC. 41. Early Voting. – In consideration of their respective physical and health 
18 
conditions, senior citizens shall be allowed to vote early in national and local elections 
19 
and be assisted by the person of his/her choice. There shall be a nationwide 
20 
registration for senior citizens for them to avail of this early voting privilege. 
21 
 
22 
CHAPTER VII 
23 
TRANSPORTATION 
24 
 
25 
SEC. 42. Access to Public Transport.  – The Department of Transportation and its 
26 
attached agencies and sectoral officers shall improve the implementation or programs 
27 
to assist senior citizens to fully gain access in the use of public transport facilities. The 
28 
minimum requirements and standards to make transportation facilities and utilities 
29 
for public use accessible to senior citizens shall be developed to enhance the mobility 
30 
of senior citizens. There shall be strict implementation of courtesy space and seats for 
31 
the exclusive use of senior citizens in all transport system. As far as practicable, PUVs 
32 
shall also strive to install safe lower stepping boards. Public transport vehicles shall 
33 
add signage or stickers identifying priority seats for senior citizens should be 
34 
prominently displayed on all public utility vehicles. 
35 
SEC. 43. Domestic Transportation Privileges. – Twenty percent (20%) discount 
36 
and exemption from the VAT on the utilization of transportation services, including 
37 
the payment for parking fees in establishments with public parking facilities such as 
38 
malls, hospitals, hotels, and other similar places, and the use of expressways and 
39 
skyways; 
40 


 
SEC. 44. Transportation Services. – Granting Senior Citizens access to Public 
1 
Transport with 20% discount and exemption from the value -added tax (VAT) to the 
2 
following: 
3 
a. In actual fare for land transportation travel in public utility buses (PUBs), 
4 
public utility jeepneys (PUJs), taxis, Asian utility vehicles (AUVs), shuttle 
5 
services and public railways, including Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rail 
6 
Transit (MRT), and Philippine National Railways (PNR); and 
7 
b. In actual transportation fare for domestic air transport services and sea 
8 
shipping vessels and the like, based on the actual fare and advanced 
9 
booking. Senior citizens shall have privilege for lower deck usage on sea 
10 
vessels. 
11 
SEC. 45. Right to Safe Transportation. Public transportation systems shall be 
12 
designed with the safety and comfort of senior citizens in mind, including reserved 
13 
seating and easy vehicle access. 
14 
 
15 
CHAPTER VIII 
16 
EDUCATIONAL PRIVILEGES 
17 
 
18 
SEC. 46. Educational Assistance. – Educational assistance shall be granted to 
19 
senior citizens to pursue post-secondary, post-tertiary, as well as vocational or 
20 
technical education in both public and private schools through the provision of 
21 
scholarships, grants, financial aid, subsidies, and other incentives to qualified senior 
22 
citizens, including support for books, learning materials, and uniform allowance, to 
23 
the extent feasible: Provided, That senior citizens shall meet minimum admission 
24 
requirements. 
25 
The Department of Education (DepED), the Technical Education and Skills 
26 
Development Authority (TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 
27 
in consultation with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and people’s 
28 
organizations (POs) for senior citizens, shall institute programs that will ensure access 
29 
to formal and nonformal education. 
30 
SEC. 47. Training Services. – Exemption from training fees for socioeconomic 
31 
programs undertaken by the OSCA as part of its work. 
32 
 
33 
CHAPTER IX 
34 
UTILITIES 
35 
 
36 
SEC. 48. Discount per Household. – The grant of a minimum of fifteen percent 
37 
(15%) discount relative to the monthly utilization of water and electricity supplied by 
38 
the public utilities: Provided, That the individual meters for the foregoing utilities are 
39 
registered in the name of the senior citizen residing therein or a senior citizen is an 
40 
actual resident of the household as duly certified by the barangay and the OSCA: 
41 
Provided, further, That the discount shall apply to: (1) electricity usage up to the first 
42 


 
one hundred kilowatt hours (100 kWh); and (2) water usage of up to the first thirty 
1 
cubic meters (30 m3) of water: Provided, furthermore, That the privilege is granted per 
2 
household regardless of the number of senior citizens residing therein. 
3 
SEC. 49. Care Institutions. – The grant of a fifteen percent (15%) discount an all 
4 
electricity, water, telephone consumption for DSWD-accredited senior citizens centers 
5 
and residential care institutions or group homes that are government-run or organized 
6 
and operated by non-stock, non-profit domestic corporations, primarily for the 
7 
purpose of promoting the well-being of abandoned, neglected, unattached or homeless 
8 
senior citizens. The following services are deemed to be for the benefit of senior 
9 
citizens, to wit: 
10 
a. “Self and social enhancement services” which provide senior citizens 
11 
opportunities for socializing, organizing, creative expression, and self-
12 
improvement; 
13 
b. “After care and follow-up services” for citizens who are discharged from the 
14 
homes or institutions for the aged, especially those who have problems of 
15 
reintegration with family and community, wherein both the senior citizens 
16 
and their families are provided with counseling; 
17 
c.  “Neighborhood support services” wherein the community or family 
18 
members provide caregiving services to their frail, sick, or bedridden senior 
19 
citizens; and 
20 
d. “Substitute family care” in the form of residential care or group homes for 
21 
the abandoned, neglected, unattached or homeless senior citizens and those 
22 
incapable of self-care. 
23 
Such senior citizens centers and residential care or group homes must have been in 
24 
operation for at least six (6) months and must have a separate meter for said 
25 
utilities/services. 
26 
 
27 
 
28 
CHAPTER X 
29 
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS AND SERVICES 
30 
 
31 
SEC. 50. Grant of Discounts to Senior Citizens. – All establishments, supplying 
32 
any of the following goods and services, for the exclusive use and enjoyment or 
33 
availment of the senior citizen, shall give a discount of twenty (20%) per cent. Where 
34 
the rate is on promotion or discounted, the same discount provided by Republic Act 
35 
No. 7432 as amended, shall still apply, otherwise, where the discounted rate is 
36 
approved by the Department of Trade and Industry, the exemption from Value Added 
37 
Tax (VAT), shall still apply.  The granting of discount herein mentioned shall apply to 
38 
the sale of the following goods and services: 
39 
a. a minimum of twenty percent (20%) discount on admission fees charged by 
40 
theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, carnivals, and other 
41 


 
similar places of culture, leisure and amusement for the exclusive use or 
1 
enjoyment of senior citizens; 
2 
b. On the utilization of services in hotels and similar lodging establishments, 
3 
restaurants and recreation centers. 
4 
b.1. For hotels and similar lodging establishments, the discount shall be 
5 
for room accommodation and other amenities offered by the 
6 
establishment, such as, but not limited to, massage parlor, sauna bath, 
7 
food, drinks and other services offered.  
8 
b.2. “Lodging establishment” shall refer to a building, edifice, structure, 
9 
apartment or house including tourist inn, apartelle, motorist hotel and 
10 
pension house engaged in catering, leasing or providing facilities to 
11 
transients, tourists or travelers. The following are considered as lodging 
12 
establishments: 
13 
b.2.1. Tourist Inn – a lodging establishment catering to transients, 
14 
which does not meet the minimum requirement of an economy 
15 
hotel. 
16 
b.2.2. Apartelle – a building or edifice containing several 
17 
independent and furnished or semi-furnished apartments, 
18 
regularly leased to tourists and travelers for dwelling on a more 
19 
or less long-term basis and offering basic services to its tenants, 
20 
similar to hotels. 
21 
b.2.3. Motorist Hotel – any structure with several separate units, 
22 
primarily located along the highway, with individual or common 
23 
parking space, at which motorists may obtain lodging and in 
24 
some instance, meals. 
25 
b.2.4. Pension House – a private, or family-operated tourist 
26 
boarding house, tourist guest house or tourist lodging house, 
27 
regularly catering to tourist, and/ or traveler, containing several 
28 
independent table rooms, providing common facilities, such as 
29 
toilets, bathrooms/showers, living and dining rooms and/or 
30 
kitchen and where a combination of board and lodging may be 
31 
provided. 
32 
b.3. For restaurants, the discount shall be for the sale of food, drinks, 
33 
desert and other consumable items served by the establishments, 
34 
including value meals and promotional meals offered for the 
35 
consumption of the general public. 
36 
b.4. For recreation centers, the discount shall be for the utilization of 
37 
services in the form of fees, charges and rental facilities, such as, but not 
38 
limited to, sports facilities and equipment 
39 
c. On admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, 
40 
circuses, carnivals, and other similar places of culture, leisure and 
41 
amusement, where the discount shall be on the admission fees charged by 
42 


 
the said establishments; 
1 
d. Barrier Free – Rooms/Facilities. Lodging establishments shall provide one 
2 
barrier free room/facility for senior citizens for every fifty (50) rooms 
3 
therein. 
4 
SEC. 51. Recreation Centers. – The discount shall be for the utilization of services 
5 
in the form of fees, charges and rental for sport facilities or equipment, including 
6 
golfcart rentals and green fees, or venues for ballroom dancing, yoga, badminton 
7 
courts, bowling lanes, table or lawn tennis, workout gyms, martial arts facilities. 
8 
Non-profit, stock golf and country clubs which are not open to the general public, 
9 
and are private and for exclusive membership only as duly proven by their official 
10 
Securities and Exchange (SEC) registration papers, are not mandated to give the 20% 
11 
senior citizens discount. However, should restaurants and food establishments inside 
12 
these country clubs be independent concessionaires and food sold are not consumable 
13 
items under club membership dues, they must grant the 20% senior citizen discount. 
14 
SEC. 52. Community Care Centers. – Senior citizen community centers shall be 
15 
established in every city and municipality of the Philippines, under the direct 
16 
supervision of the NCSC, in collaboration with LGUs concerned. 
17 
 
18 
CHAPTER XI 
19 
HOUSING 
20 
 
21 
SEC. 53. Housing. – The national government, through the Department of Human 
22 
Settlements and Urban Development, shall include in its national shelter program the 
23 
special housing needs of senior citizens, such as establishment of housing units for the 
24 
elderly. 
25 
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development shall formulate 
26 
housing rules on how to develop subdivision suitable to the requirements of male and 
27 
female senior citizens. The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) shall promote 
28 
the establishment of elderly residence and shall review its existing circulars 
29 
particularly the limitation of the age requirements of sixty-five (65) years old at the 
30 
date of the loan application and seventy (70) years old at loan maturity. It shall also 
31 
consider the concept of pension in lieu compensation. 
32 
SEC. 54. Housing Program for Poor Senior Citizens. – The housing program for 
33 
the poor senior citizens which include the establishment/donation of group/foster 
34 
homes for the neglected, abused and unattached or homeless senior citizens and those 
35 
incapable of self-care including its management, maintenance and operations shall be 
36 
established in accordance with EO 105, approving and directing the implementation 
37 
of the program, “Provision of Group/Foster Home for Neglected, Abandoned, 
38 
Abused, Unattached and Poor Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities” 
39 
promulgated on May 16, 2002. 
40 
 
41 
CHAPTER XII 
42 


 
COMMUNITY SERVICE 
1 
 
2 
SEC. 55. Contribution to the Community. – Any qualified senior citizens as 
3 
determined by the Office for Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) may render his/her 
4 
services to the community which shall consist of but not limited to any of the 
5 
following: 
6 
a) Tutorial and/or consultancy services; 
7 
b) Actual teaching and demonstration of hobbies and income generating skills; 
8 
c) Lectures on specialized fields like agriculture, health, environmental 
9 
protection and the like; 
10 
d) The transfer of new skills acquired by virtue of their training; 
11 
e) Nation-building activities and volunteerism; 
12 
f) Undertaking other appropriate services as determined by the Office for Senior 
13 
Citizens Affairs (OSCA) such as school traffic guide, tourist aid, pre-school 
14 
assistant, etc. 
15 
In consideration of the services rendered by the qualified elderly, the Office for 
16 
Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) may award or grant benefits or privileges to the 
17 
elderly, in addition to the other privileges provided in this Act. 
18 
 
19 
CHAPTER XIII 
20 
RETIREMENT BENEFITS 
21 
 
22 
SEC. 56. Benefits and Privileges for Retirees. – To the extent practicable and 
23 
feasible, senior citizens shall be granted the continuance of the same benefits and 
24 
privileges given by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security 
25 
System (SSS), and PAG-IBIG, as the case may be, as are enjoyed by those in active 
26 
service. 
27 
Retirement benefits of retirees from both the government and the private sector 
28 
shall be regularly reviewed every year to ensure their continuing responsiveness and 
29 
sustainability, and to the extent practicable and feasible, shall be upgraded to be at par 
30 
with the current scale enjoyed by those in actual service based on National Economic 
31 
and Development Authority (NEDA) poverty threshold per region as determined by 
32 
the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). 
33 
SEC. 57. Optional Continuation of SSS and GSIS Membership. – The mandatory 
34 
termination of membership with the GSIS and SSS shall be lifted whenever the senior 
35 
citizen is willing to continue payments of the contributions until the minimum length 
36 
of payment to qualify for pension is attained. 
37 
 
38 
CHAPTER XIV 
39 
TAX INCENTIVES AND PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT 
40 
 
41 


 
SEC. 58. Tax Deduction. – The establishment may claim the discounts provided 
1 
herein as tax deductions based on the cost of the goods sold or services rendered: 
2 
Provided. That the cost of the discount shall be allowed as deduction from the gross 
3 
income for the same taxable year that the discount is granted: Provides, further, That 
4 
the total amount of the claimed tax deduction net of VAT, if applicable, shall be 
5 
included in their gross sales receipts for tax purposes and shall be subject to proper 
6 
documentation and to the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), 
7 
as amended. 
8 
For this purpose, the Department of Finance (DOF) through the Bureau of 
9 
Internal Revenue (BIR) shall come up with the appropriate Revenue Regulations on 
10 
the 20% senior citizens discount and VAT exemption within thirty (30) days from 
11 
effectivity of these Rules. 
12 
SEC. 59. Income Tax Exemption. - The senior citizen shall be entitled to 
13 
exemption from the payment of the individual income tax, provided he/she is 
14 
considered to be minimum wage earner in accordance with Republic Act No. 9504. 
15 
SEC. 60. Incentive for Foster Care. – The government shall provide incentives to 
16 
individuals or nongovernmental institution caring for or establishing homes, 
17 
residential communities or retirement villages solely for, senior citizens, as follows: 
18 
(1) realty tax holiday for the first five (5) years starting from the first year of 
19 
operation; and 
20 
(2) priority in the construction or maintenance of provincial or municipal roads 
21 
leading to the aforesaid home, residential community or retirement village. 
22 
 
23 
CHAPTER XV 
24 
PREVENTION OF ELDERLY ABUSE AND NON-DISCRIMINATION 
25 
 
26 
SEC. 61. Protection of Senior Citizens. – The State shall protect senior citizens 
27 
from 
neglect, 
abandonment, 
domestic 
violence, 
abuse, 
exploitation, 
and 
28 
discrimination. Towards this end, the State shall ensure special protective mechanisms 
29 
and support services against violence, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination of the 
30 
elderly. 
31 
SEC. 62. Discrimination Against Senior Citizens is Prohibited. – Public and 
32 
private entities and individuals found to have committed discrimination against senior 
33 
citizens shall be subject to the sanctions provided in Section ___ hereof. Violations of 
34 
other rights of senior citizens shall be subject to sanctions under pertinent laws and 
35 
regulations. 
36 
SEC. 63. Acts of Abandonment or Neglect. – The following acts shall constitute 
37 
abandonment and neglect of senior citizen: 
38 
a. Abandonment or desertion by leaving a senior citizen unattended at a place 
39 
for such a considerable length of time, as may be likely to endanger the life, 
40 
health, and welfare of a senior citizen. An individual who has assumed 
41 
responsibility for providing care for the senior citizen, or by a person with 
42 


 
custody of a senior citizen shall not be penalized for abandonment unless 
1 
he/she failed to notify the DSWD or concerned agencies; 
2 
b. To willfully neglect to provide food, medicines, shelter, clothing or services 
3 
necessary for the physical and mental health of a senior citizen. 
4 
SEC. 64. Prohibited Acts. – It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to commit 
5 
the following acts against the senior citizen: 
6 
a. To obtain control over money, assets or property of the senior citizen through 
7 
undue influence, threat, intimidation and deceitful machinations with the 
8 
intention to deprive the elderly of its ownership, use and benefit; 
9 
b. To cause mental or emotional distress through verbal abuse, intimidation, 
10 
harassment, public humiliation and pillory; 
11 
c. To inflict or threaten to inflict any physical harm or injury, including any form 
12 
of sexual harassment; 
13 
d. To prevent from engaging in any legitimate profession, occupation or 
14 
business; Provided, That, if such profession, occupation or business may cause 
15 
harm, threat, or abuse on the person of a senior citizen, the prevention to 
16 
engage in the same shall not be considered as a prohibited act under this 
17 
section. 
18 
 
19 
CHAPTER XVI 
20 
OFFICE FOR SENIOR CITIZEN AFFAIRS 
21 
 
22 
SEC. 65. The Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). – There shall be 
23 
established in all cities and municipalities an OSCA to be headed by a senior citizen 
24 
who shall be appointed by the mayor for a term of three (3) years without 
25 
reappointment but without prejudice to an extension if exigency so requires. Said 
26 
appointee shall be chosen from a list of three (3) nominees as recommended by a 
27 
general assembly of registered/recognized senior citizens organizations in the city or 
28 
municipality, by NCSC and LGUs. 
29 
The Office of the Mayor, in cooperation with the National Commission for Senior 
30 
Citizens, shall exercise supervision over the OSCA relative to their plans, activities and 
31 
programs for senior citizens. The OSCA shall work together and establish linkages 
32 
with accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs), Peoples Organization 
33 
(POs) and the barangays in their respective areas. 
34 
The head of the OSCA shall be assisted by the City/Municipal Social Welfare and 
35 
Development Officer (C/MSWDO) on the management of office and implementation 
36 
of programs and services. 
37 
The OSCA shall have the following functions: 
38 
(a) To plan, implement and monitor yearly work programs in pursuance of the 
39 
objectives of this Act; 
40 
(b) To draw up a list of available and required services which can be provided by 
41 
the senior citizens; 
42 


 
(c) To maintain and regularly update on a quarterly basis the list of senior citizens 
1 
and to issue national individual identification cards, free of charge, which shall 
2 
be valid anywhere in the country; 
3 
(d) To serve as a general information and liaison center for senior citizens; 
4 
(e) To monitor compliance of the provisions of this Act particularly the grant of 
5 
special discounts and privileges to senior citizens; 
6 
(f) To report to the mayor, any individual, establishments, business entity, 
7 
institutions or agency found violating any provision of this Act; and 
8 
(g) To assist the senior citizens in filing complaints or charges against any 
9 
individual, establishments, business entity, institution, or agency refusing to 
10 
comply with the privileges under this Act before the Department of Justice 
11 
(DOJ), the Provincial Prosecutor's Office, the regional or the municipal trial 
12 
court, the municipal trial court in cities, or the municipal circuit trial court. 
13 
(h) Represent older person in meetings of local development councils and other 
14 
special bodies. 
15 
SEC. 66. Creation of the OSCA Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern. – 
16 
a. The Sangguniang Panlunsod/Bayan shall pass an Ordinance creating 
17 
the OSCA organizational structure, staffing pattern and its annual 
18 
appropriation to carry out its functions; 
19 
b. In 4th, 5th, and 6th class municipalities, the municipal mayor shall 
20 
designate or appoint a senior citizens Focal Person to assist the OSCA 
21 
head for continuity and accountability to perform the functions of office. 
22 
SEC. 67. City/Municipal Responsibility. – It shall be the responsibility of the 
23 
city/municipality through the Mayor to ensure that the provisions of this Act are 
24 
implemented to its fullest. 
25 
 
26 
CHAPTER XVII 
27 
ENFORCEMENT 
28 
 
29 
SEC. 68. Creation of Local Advisory Body. – There shall be created a Local 
30 
Advisory Body (LAB), which serves as mechanism for convergence and resource 
31 
sharing in the implementation of programs, projects and services for older persons. It 
32 
also serves as a forum for the formulation of recommendations, policies and 
33 
resolutions for the adoption of members to strengthen the implementation of 
34 
programs and services. 
35 
SEC. 69. Establishment of the Elderly Help Desk. – An Elderly Help Desk shall 
36 
be established in each barangay and police station/precinct that can promptly act on 
37 
complaints lodged by or involving senior citizens. 
38 
SEC. 70. Violations in Discounted Medicine Purchases. – The following acts 
39 
concerning drug and medicine purchases are considered violative of the provisions of 
40 
this Act: 
41 


 
1. A senior Citizen or his /her representative or a person misusing the privileges 
1 
by: 
2 
a) using several purchase booklets, 
3 
b) availing of the discounts to buy medicines, drugs, medical accessories 
4 
and supplies not for the use of the senior citizen, 
5 
c) unauthorized use of the identification card of the senior citizen. 
6 
2. A medical practitioner giving prescription to other persons in the name of the 
7 
senior citizen or giving anomalous prescription. 
8 
3. Retailers and establishments dispensing medicines: 
9 
a) refusing to grant the full 20% senior citizens discount and VAT 
10 
exemption on drug and medicine purchases paid via credit card, 
11 
b) making a distinction between branded and generic drugs and medicines 
12 
in giving the 20% discount, 
13 
c) posting notices and signages telling customers that availment of the 20% 
14 
discount is limited to cash purchases only, 
15 
d) “limiting” of discountable drug and medicine purchases to certain 
16 
weekdays only, such that senior citizens cannot avail of the 20% discount 
17 
on other days, and e) restricting the purchase time or period for senior 
18 
citizen discounts after a certain hour. 
19 
SEC. 71. Violations in Discounted Food Purchases. – The following acts 
20 
concerning food purchases are considered violative of the provisions of the Act and its 
21 
Rules: 
22 
a) Pegging a maximum amount of food purchase subject to 20% discount 
23 
and the VAT exemption, and/ or posting of notice to that effect; 
24 
b) Refusal to grant the 20% discount and VAT exemption on take -out/ take 
25 
home/ drive-thru orders it appearing that the purchase is for the 
26 
exclusive use and enjoyment of senior citizens; 
27 
c) Refusal to grant a 20% discount and VAT exemption on delivery orders 
28 
it appearing that the purchases is for the exclusive use and enjoyment of 
29 
senior citizens. 
30 
SEC. 72. Enforcement by the Secretary of Justice. – 
31 
a) Denial of Right 
32 
b) Duty to Investigate -  The Secretary of Justice shall investigate alleged 
33 
violations of this Act, and shall undertake periodic reviews of 
34 
compliance of covered entities under this Act. 
35 
c) Potential Violations – If the Secretary of Justice has reasonable cause to 
36 
believe that: 
37 
(a) any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern or practice 
38 
of discrimination under this Act; or 
39 
(b)  any person or group or persons has been discriminated against 
40 
under this Act and such discrimination raises an issue of general 
41 


 
public importance, the Secretary of Justice may commence a legal 
1 
action in any appropriate court. 
2 
SEC. 73. Venue. – The Regional Trial Court designated as a Family Court shall 
3 
have original and exclusive jurisdiction in cases of commission of prohibited acts 
4 
against the senior citizen provided in Section ___of this Act. In the absence of such 
5 
court in the place where the offense was committed, the case shall be filed in the 
6 
Regional Trial Court where the crime or any of its elements was committed at the 
7 
option of the complainant. 
8 
SEC. 74. Authority of Court. — The court may grant any equitable relief that such 
9 
court considers to be appropriate, including, to the extent required by this Act: 
10 
a) granting temporary, preliminary or permanent relief; 
11 
b) providing an auxiliary aid or service, modification of policy, practice or 
12 
procedure, or alternative method; and 
13 
c)    making facilities readily accessible to and usable by senior citizens. 
14 
SEC. 75. Penalties. – Any person who refuses to grant the privileges to senior 
15 
citizen as provided in this Act or violates any provision of this Act shall suffer the 
16 
following penalties: 
17 
(a) For the first violation, imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more 
18 
than six (6) years and a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) 
19 
but not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00); 
20 
(b) For any subsequent violation, imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but 
21 
not more than six (6) years and a fine of not less than One Hundred thousand 
22 
pesos (Php100,000.00) but not exceeding Two hundred thousand pesos 
23 
(Php200,000.00); and 
24 
(c) Any person who abuses the privileges granted herein shall be punished with 
25 
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months and a fine of not less than Fifty 
26 
thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos 
27 
(Php100,000.00). 
28 
SEC. 76. If the offender is a corporation, partnership, organization or any similar 
29 
entity, the officers thereof directly involved such as the president, general manager, 
30 
managing partner, or such other officer charged with the management of the business 
31 
affairs shall be liable therefor. 
32 
SEC. 77. If the offender is an alien or a foreigner, he/she shall be deported 
33 
immediately after service of sentence. 
34 
SEC. 78. Upon filing of an appropriate complaint, and after due notice and 
35 
hearing, the proper authorities may also cause the cancellation or revocation of the 
36 
business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges granted to 
37 
any person, establishment or business entity that fails to abide by the provisions of this 
38 
Act. 
39 
 
40 
TITLE III 
41 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
42 


 
 
1 
SEC. 79. Lead Agency. — The National Commission for Senior Citizens shall take 
2 
the lead in the formulating policies and programs that will fully execute this Act. The 
3 
NCSC shall be the overall monitoring body and oversight to ensure the 
4 
implementation of this Act. In doing so, the NCSC may direct any government agency 
5 
and instrumentality, as may be necessary, to report on the implementation of this Act 
6 
and for them to immediately respond to the problems brought to their attention in 
7 
relation to this Act. The NCSC shall also lead in ensuring that government agencies 
8 
and the private sector are capacitated on the effective implementation of this Act.  
9 
SEC. 80. Role of National Agencies and Local Government Units. — Local 
10 
government units shall promote the establishment of organizations of senior citizens 
11 
in their respective territorial jurisdictions. National agencies and local government 
12 
units may enter into joint ventures with organizations or associations of senior 
13 
citizens to explore livelihood opportunities and other undertakings that shall enhance 
14 
the health, physical fitness and the economic and social well-being of senior citizens. 
15 
SEC. 81. Support From Nongovernment Organizations. – Nongovernment 
16 
organizations or private volunteer organizations dedicated to the purpose of 
17 
promoting and enhancing the welfare of senior citizens shall, as they, are hereby 
18 
encouraged, become partners of the Government in the implementation of measures, 
19 
programs and projects for the benefit of senior citizens. Accordingly, their 
20 
participation in the implementation of said measures, programs and projects is to be 
21 
extended all possible support by the Government. 
22 
SEC. 82. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – As the lead agency, the NCSC 
23 
shall, in coordination with all concerned government departments and agencies 
24 
including, as observers, both Houses of Congress through the Committee on Youth, 
25 
Women and Family Relations (Senate) and the Committee on Senior Citizens (House 
26 
of 
Representatives) 
and 
with 
the 
participation 
of 
representatives 
from 
27 
nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups with proven track 
28 
record of involvement and promotion of the rights and welfare of senior citizens 
29 
identified by the NCSC, formulate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of 
30 
this Act within one hundred eighty (180) days after its effectivity. 
31 
SEC. 83. Continuity Clause. – Should any department or agency tasked with the 
32 
enforcement or formulation of rules and regulations and guidelines for 
33 
implementation of any provision of this Act is abolished, merged with another 
34 
department or agency or modified, such shall not affect the enforcement or 
35 
formulation of rules, regulations and guidelines for implementation of this Act to the 
36 
effect that — 
37 
a) In case of abolition, the department or agency established to replace the 
38 
abolished department or agency shall take-over the functions under this Act 
39 
of the abolished department or agency. 
40 
b) In case the department or agency tasked with the enforcement or formulation 
41 
of rules, regulations and guidelines for implementation of this Act is merged 
42 


 
with another department or agency, the former shall continue the functions 
1 
under this Act of the merged department or agency. 
2 
c) In case of modification, the department or agency modified shall continue the 
3 
functions under this Act of the department or agency that has undergone the 
4 
modification. 
5 
SEC. 84. Construction in Favor of Senior Citizens. – All doubts in the 
6 
implementation and interpretation of the provisions of this Code, including its 
7 
implementing rules and regulations, shall be resolved in favor of senior citizens. 
8 
SEC. 85. Appropriations. –  The initial funding requirements for the 
9 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the 
10 
agencies concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the implementation 
11 
of this Act shall be included in the agencies' yearly budgets under the General 
12 
Appropriations Act. 
13 
The State shall prioritize allocation of all available resources to effectively fulfill 
14 
its obligations specified under this Act. The State agencies' budgets, which shall be at 
15 
least three percent (3%) of their total budgetary allocation, shall also be utilized for the 
16 
programs and activities to implement this Act. 
17 
SEC. 86. Separability Clause. – If any section, clause, or term of this Act is held 
18 
to be illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional, such parts not affected by such declaration 
19 
shall remain in full force and effect. 
20 
SEC. 87. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and 
21 
regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, 
22 
amended, or modified accordingly. 
23 
SEC. 88. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
24 
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers 
25 
of general circulation. 
26 
Approved, 
27