It is about time that the national government pass a comprehensive law that will ensure the welfare of senior citizens.
This is the main goal of Laguna Third District Representative Loreto "Amben" Amante who, along with Senior Citizens Partylist Representative Rodolfo Ordanes, recently filed House Bill No. 10739, or “An Act Providing For The Magna Carta Of Senior Citizens” last August 8.
“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," the explanatory note pointed out.
Employment opportunities
Aside from solidifying existing laws and regulations protecting and ensuring the welfare of senior citizens, the bill also covers employment privileges such as employment opportunities through the assistance of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Service Offices (PESO).
All government agencies and private entities shall also institute an employment program that shall promote the general welfare and well-being of seniors and prohibit discrimination.
Businesses that will employ senior citizens shall also be entitled to additional deduction from their gross income equivalent to 25 percent of the total amount paid to senior citizens.
Health benefits
The bill also aims to create a Senior Citizens Care Program that will provide intervention based on a helping plan focused on the assessment and enhancement of Home Care, Respite Services, Physical Fitness Program, Kinship, Care, Palliative Care, and Spiritual Services.
The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is also mandated to establish a program for reintegration of abandoned, neglected, frail, abused, and exploited senior citizens to the nearest surviving relative and provide technical and financial support through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).
A senior citizens ward in every government hospital shall be established and a mandatory PhilHealth Coverage.
Monthly allowances
Once passed into law, all senior citizens shall also be entitled to a monthly allowance of at least P1,000.
All national and local government agencies shall also set aside three percent of their total budget for programs, projects, and activities exclusive for senior citizens.
Senior citizens will also be allowed to vote early in national and local elections and be assisted by a person of his/her choice.
For the rare occasion of senior citizens pursuing post-secondary, post-tertiary, and vocational or technical education in public and private schools, the bill seeks to provide scholarships, grants, financial aid, subsidies, and other incentives to qualified senior citizens.
Households may also be granted a minimum of 15 percent to the monthly utilization of water and electricity supplied by public utilities given that the account is registered under the senior citizen’s name and is an actual resident of the household.
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