Bill seeks removal of compulsary retirement age

MANILA, Philippines — Saying that many of the elderly are still able to work, Senior Citizen party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes Jr. has filed a bill seeking to repeal the compulsory retirement age of 65 years.

In his proposed House Bill 3220, an employee who reaches 65 years “can choose to continue their employment” provided that the senior citizen “qualifies under the bona fide occupational qualifications of his job.”

It also said that the burden to prove the worker is no longer capable rests with the employer.

The measure, if approved, will repeal a provision in the Labor Code that sets the compulsory retirement age at 65 years.

Ordanes said HB 3220 is “a progression from the Anti-Age Discrimination Law which has enabled many seniors to continue working because they can apply for jobs now that there is no age ceiling on hiring.”

“Taking that idea further, it stands to reason that a currently employed senior who reaches 65 should be able to continue in his or her current position at work or qualify for promotion to a higher position for as long as he or she meets the stated qualifications of the job,” he noted.

He claimed that many senior citizens above 65 years old are still in good health and with sound mind and body. They could “continue to be assets to the organizations and companies they are serving.”

“The path or option to continue leading productive lives should not be taken away. That path should be open to them in keeping with the intent of the Anti-Age Discrimination Law and taking that intent a step further,” he added.