QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 232 [*])
Republic Act No. 9994 is entitled “An Act Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Senior Citizens, Further Amending Republic Act No. 7432, as Amended…” and it is known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.”
RA 9994 invokes constitutional provisions on social justice and human dignity (Art. II), an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development with priority for the elderly and underprivileged (Art. XIII, Sec. 11), and the family’s duty to care for the elderly with state social security programs (Art. XV, Sec. 4). It lists objectives such as recognizing rights of senior citizens, improving well-being, motivating contribution to nation building, encouraging family/community care, providing health/rehabilitation, and involving the private sector.
A senior citizen/elderly refers to 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 without pension or permanent source/income or financial assistance from relatives for basic needs, as determined by the DSWD in consultation with the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board.
Proof may be any of: (1) an OSCA identification card (honored nationwide); (2) the passport; or (3) other documents showing Filipino citizenship and age of at least 60, subject to the IRR.
Senior citizens are entitled to a grant of twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from VAT, if applicable, on the sale of listed goods/services for their exclusive use/benefit, including medicines (and certain vaccines), attending physician fees, licensed health worker home health care fees, medical and dental services and diagnostic/lab fees (private facilities), transportation fares, lodging/services, admissions to cultural/leisure amusements, and funeral/burial services.
The DOH shall establish guidelines and mechanisms of compulsory rebates in the sharing of burden/cost of discounts among retailers, manufacturers, and distributors, considering their respective margins.
At least 5% discount relative to monthly utilization of water and electricity supplied by public utilities applies if: (1) individual meters are registered in the name of the senior citizen residing therein; (2) monthly consumption does not exceed 100 kWh electricity and 30 cubic meters water; and (3) the privilege is granted per household regardless of the number of senior citizens residing there.
It provides educational assistance to pursue post-secondary, tertiary, post-tertiary, vocational/technical education and short-term courses for retooling, via scholarships, grants, financial aids, subsidies, and incentives (e.g., books, learning materials, uniform allowance, to the extent feasible), provided senior citizens meet minimum admission requirements.
Senior citizens are entitled to free medical and dental services and diagnostic/laboratory fees in all government facilities, subject to DOH guidelines coordinated with PhilHealth.
The DOH shall administer free vaccination against influenza virus and pneumococcal disease for indigent senior citizen patients.
Indigent senior citizens are entitled to a monthly stipend of Five hundred pesos (Php500.00), subject to review every two (2) years by Congress, in consultation with the DSWD.
All indigent senior citizens shall be covered by PhilHealth. LGUs where the indigent senior citizen resides must allocate funds to ensure enrollment, consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
It is composed of a Chairperson (DSWD Secretary), Vice Chairperson (DILG Secretary), and members: DOJ Secretary, DOH Secretary, DTI Secretary, and representatives from five (5) accredited NGOs for senior citizens. The NGOs’ representatives serve three (3) years, and resource persons may be called upon without voting rights.
OSCA must be established in all cities and municipalities, headed by a senior citizen appointed by the mayor for a term of three years (chosen from a list of three nominees recommended by a general assembly of senior citizens organizations). The head cannot be removed except for death, permanent disability, or ineffective performance. OSCA tasks include planning/monitoring programs, maintaining and updating the list of senior citizens and issuing national IDs free of charge, information/liaison, monitoring compliance, reporting violations, and assisting in filing complaints with proper government/prosecutorial/judicial authorities.
For first violation: imprisonment of not less than 2 years but not more than 6 years and fine of Php50,000–Php100,000. For subsequent violations: imprisonment of not less than 2 years but not more than 6 years and fine of Php100,000–Php200,000. For abuse of privileges: imprisonment of not less than 6 months and fine of Php50,000–Php100,000. Corporate officers directly involved may be liable; aliens/foreigners may be deported after service of sentence; business permits may also be cancelled/revoked upon proper complaint and due notice/hearing.
RA 9994 takes effect fifteen (15) days after complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.