Senior citizens get free movies in Manila

The Manila City Council has passed an ordinance giving senior citizens the privilege to enjoy free admission in Manila movie houses.

In approving the ordinance jointly authored by Councilors Miles Roces (Third District), Pacifico Laxa (Second District) and Amalia Tolentino (Fourth District), the councilors apparently considered the value of giving privileges and benefits to the senior residents of Manila.

According to Tolentino, the policy would help the city government ensure the privilege and satisfaction of senior citizens of Manila. However, the privilege cannot be enjoyed on Sundays, holidays and on the first day of showing of a movie.

Tolentino said violators of the ordinance shall be fined P5,000 or imprisoned for one month or suffer both.

Copies of the ordinance should be published outside movie houses to remind owners and theater operators of their obligation.

Councilor Danilo Varona (Second District) initially proposed that senior citizens should not be allowed to enter theaters showing sexually titillating films to protect their welfare. He noted that there were incidents in the past where old men suffered from heart attacks while watching bold films, his proposal did not get support from his colleagues. – Cecille Suerte Felipe