Lawmaker wants jail for cabbies who refuse rides to seniors

Manila, Philippines - Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones is asking the House of Representatives to investigate reports of taxi drivers refusing to convey senior citizens because of a 20-percent discount accorded to them under the Expanded Senior Citizens’ Act (Republic Act 9994).

“This practice should be stopped and corrected soonest because it is a clear violation of… the rights of senior citizens as provided by law,” Palmones said.

Under RA 9994, senior citizens are entitled to a 20 percent discount from public utility buses and jeeps, taxis, shuttle services and public railways. Violators face a P100,000 fine and imprisonment of two to six years. However, a senior citizen who abuses this privilege could be fined P100,000 and jailed for at least six months.

Palmones said there are owners of taxicabs who refuse to honor the fare discount because it cuts into their revenue.

“To avail of the discount and privileges being accorded to them, the law will require them to submit an identification card issued by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs, their passports, or any document to prove they are at least 60 years old,” Palmones said.