Bill eyes more discounts for senior citizens

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker has proposed the grant of additional discount privilege for them.

Rep. Godofredo V. Arquiza (Party-list, Senior Citizens) has filed a bill which seeks to grant the elderly the privilege of a 20 percent discount on their payment of certain fees.

House Bill 6681 entitles senior citizens to pay less 20 percent on their payment for their professional license and driver’s license fees; business license and permit fees.

“This also includes payment for their real estate registration fees as well as docket and appeal fees,” Arquiza said.

He said the measure aims to recognize the rights of senior citizens to take their proper place in society which upholds the constitutional mandate that there shall be priority for the needs of the elderly.

“Article 15, Section 4 declares that it is the duty of the family to take care of its elderly members while the State may design programs of social security for them,” Arquiza said.

The representative of the elderly added that the proposal seeks to give full support to the improvement of the total being of the aged sector of society.

“The bill aims to motivate and encourage the senior citizens to contribute to nation building,” Arquiza said.

The bill directs the Department of Social Welfare and Development jointly with the Department of Finance, the Department of Interior and Local Government to issue the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the objectives of the Act.

“It is the Supreme Court that shall promulgate the appropriate guidelines in the implementation of this Act in respect of the docket fees,” Arquiza said.