QuestionsQuestions (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2010 - 0034)
RA 9994 is known as the 'Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.' It aims to grant additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens, further amending RA 7432 (as amended by RA 9257), consistent with constitutional policies on social justice, human dignity, and priority for the elderly and underprivileged.
A senior citizen is any resident citizen of the Philippines at least sixty (60) years old.
An indigent senior citizen is an elderly who is frail, sickly, or with disability and has no pension or permanent source of income or financial assistance from relatives for basic needs. Indigency is determined by DSWD in consultation with the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board.
Senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discount and exemption from VAT, if applicable, on enumerated goods and services from all establishments for exclusive use/enjoyment/availment of senior citizens. In promotional items, the senior citizen may avail the promotional discount or the RA 9994 discount, whichever is higher.
It covers medicines, including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, and other essential medical supplies, accessories, and equipment to be determined by the Department of Health (DOH).
DOH must establish guidelines and mechanisms of compulsory rebates in the sharing of benefits from the discounts among retailers, manufacturers, and distributors, considering their respective margins.
They get the discount on actual fare for land transportation in public utility buses, jeepneys, taxis, AUVs, shuttle services, and public railways (LRT, MRT, PNR), and on actual fare for domestic air transport and sea shipping vessels based on actual fare and advanced booking.
At least 5% discount on monthly water and electricity supplied by public utilities, subject to limits: electricity consumption not exceeding 100 kWh and water not exceeding 30 cubic meters (per the provided limit text). It is granted per household regardless of number of senior citizens residing therein, and meters must be registered in the senior citizen’s name.
A death benefit assistance of at least Php 2,000 shall be given to the nearest surviving relative, subject to adjustments due to inflation based on DSWD guidelines.
Senior citizens who are considered minimum wage earners are exempt from paying individual income taxes, consistent with RA 9504.
An OSCA identification card (honored nationwide), the senior citizen’s passport, or other documents showing the person is a Philippine citizen and at least 60 years old, as provided in the implementing rules.
Senior citizens who want to work or be re-employed must be provided information and matching services. Private entities hiring senior citizens are entitled to an additional gross income deduction equivalent to 15% of salaries and wages paid to senior citizens, subject to conditions including at least 6 months employment and that the senior citizen’s annual income does not exceed the latest poverty threshold.
DOH must institute a national health program with an integrated health service for senior citizens; train community-based health workers and health personnel for geriatric care; and establish a 'senior citizens’ ward' in every government hospital for exclusive use of senior citizens needing confinement, with limited use for emergencies.
OSCA must exist in all cities and municipalities, headed by a senior citizen appointed by the mayor from a list of three nominees recommended by senior citizen organizations. OSCA functions include planning/monitoring programs, maintaining/updating the list of senior citizens, issuing ID cards free of charge (valid nationwide), monitoring compliance, reporting violations, and assisting in filing complaints/charges.
For the first violation: imprisonment of not less than 2 years but not more than 6 years and a fine of Php 50,000 to Php 100,000. For subsequent violations: imprisonment of not less than 2 years but not more than 6 years and fine of Php 100,000 to Php 200,000. Abuse of privileges: imprisonment of not less than 6 months and fine of Php 50,000 to Php 100,000. If offender is a corporation, responsible officials are liable; if offender is an alien/foreigner, deportation after service of sentence.
A National Coordinating and Monitoring Board is created with DSWD as Chairperson, DILG as Vice Chairperson, DOJ/DOH/DTI as member agencies, and representatives from five accredited NGOs for senior citizens. The Board may call resource persons without voting rights, and it oversees coordination/monitoring of implementation of the Act.
Within 60 days from effectivity, the DSWD must formulate and adopt amendments to the existing IRR for RA 7432 (as amended). DOH must establish guidelines pursuant to Section 4(a)(i) within 60 days from effectivity. RA 9994 takes effect 15 days after complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.