Question & AnswerQ&A (DSWD ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 12)
Republic Act No. 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, mandates the 50% discount on electricity, water, and telephone consumption for qualified senior citizen centers and facilities.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is mandated to lead the implementation of the 50% discount provision under RA 9994.
The guidelines apply to accredited Senior Citizens Centers, Residential Care Facilities, and Group Homes that are government-run or non-stock, non-profit domestic corporations organized primarily to promote the well-being of abandoned, neglected, unattached, or homeless senior citizens.
A Group Home is a community-based living arrangement, serving as an alternative to institutional care, accommodating six to ten senior citizens discharged from residential care facilities, managed with minimal supervision from an agency social worker.
Residential Care Facilities must serve at least ten senior citizens 24/7, while Group Homes must serve at least six senior citizens.
The facility must have separate meters for water and/or electricity and telephone lines with the name indicated in the registration/license/accreditation certificate.
The SWDA must submit a written application to the Director of the DSWD Field Office where the facility is located, supported by documentary requirements including accreditation certificates, certification of exclusive use by senior citizens, and a copy of the latest utility bill.
The DSWD Field Office will provide the necessary technical assistance to the SWDA to help meet requirements or address issues preventing eligibility.
The discount may be cancelled if the SWDA’s registration/license/accreditation is suspended, revoked, or expires, the SEC registration is terminated or revoked, the agency relocates outside the utility service provider’s coverage, or if the clientele changes to beneficiaries other than senior citizens.
SWDAs must submit semestral reports detailing the amount saved and utilization plans, include the savings utilization in their annual accomplishment reports, and promptly inform the DSWD of closure or relocation.
USPs must inspect applicants after endorsement from DSWD, inform DSWD of inspection results, grant the discount upon approval, and submit semestral reports on the discount availment and amounts saved.
The NCMB conducts yearly assessments on the impact of the discount program on SWDAs and their clients, evaluating implementation processes and benefits.
A Senior Citizen is any Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines who is at least sixty (60) years old, including dual citizens who prove Filipino citizenship and have at least six months residency in the Philippines.
Key laws include Republic Act Nos. 9257, 7876, 4373 (amended by RA 5175), and Executive Order No. 221 series of 2003 relating to social work agencies and senior citizen centers.