Summary
Highlights
Republic Act No. 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, amends previous acts to provide additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens in the Philippines. This act was enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines and aims to maximize the contribution of senior citizens to nation-building and improve their quality of life.
The state's policy is to promote a just and dynamic social order, ensuring prosperity, independence, and freeing people from poverty through social services. It emphasizes supporting the well-being of the elderly, their full participation in society, and reaffirming the Filipino tradition of caring for senior citizens. Objectives include recognizing their rights, providing comprehensive healthcare, fostering productive aging, and recognizing the private sector's role.
Senior citizens are entitled to an identification card for proof of status, a 20% discount and VAT exemption on goods and services such as medicines, medical supplies, professional fees, and domestic transportation. This also extends to hotels, restaurants, recreational centers, and funeral services. Free medical and dental services, diagnostic tests, and vaccinations are also provided for indigent senior citizens.
Other privileges include income tax exemptions, exemption from training fees for socio-economic programs, free medical facilities for indigent senior citizens, and educational assistance. Retirees receive regularly reviewed retirement benefits. Special discounts on basic necessities and prime commodities, express lanes, and a 5% utility discount are also granted.
To avail of benefits, a senior citizen needs an identification card from the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), a passport, and must be at least 60 years old. Government assistance includes employment opportunities for the elderly, health programs (with exclusive senior citizen wards in hospitals), social services with discounts on cell consumption, housing programs, a social pension of 500 pesos for indigent senior citizens, and death benefit assistance of 2,000 pesos.
All citizens 60 years old and above are covered by PhilHealth, allowing them to avail of benefits in private and government hospitals. The Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) is established in every city and municipality, headed by a Filipino citizen who is a registered voter, physically and mentally capable, and a member of a senior citizens organization. OSCA heads serve a three-year term and are responsible for validating ID cards and purchase booklets, liaising with the mayor's office, and addressing concerns and complaints.
Violations of the act, such as misusing privileges, anomalous prescriptions, or refusing discounts, incur penalties. A first violation results in a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 pesos and imprisonment of 2 to 6 years. Subsequent violations incur higher fines and similar imprisonment. Abusers of privileges face a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 pesos and imprisonment of at least six months. Corporations found in violation can have their business permits and franchises revoked.
A National Coordinating and Monitoring Board, chaired by the DSWD Secretary, is established to oversee the act's implementation. It includes representatives from DILG, DOJ, DOH, DTI, and five accredited NGOs for senior citizens. Regional coordinating and monitoring boards are also established with similar membership and functions. The DSWD serves as the secretariat for both national and regional boards.
Necessary appropriations for implementing the act are included in the budgets of responsible national government agencies and local government units. Funds for the national health program, vaccinations, and monthly social pensions for indigent senior citizens are allocated through the DOH and DSWD budgets, respectively. Any inconsistent laws are repealed or modified, and if any part of the act is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions remain enforceable. The act takes effect 15 days after its complete publication.