Declaration of Policies and Objectives
- State policy promotes social justice, human dignity, and comprehensive care for elderly.
- Family duty to care for elderly is recognized but the State aids through social security programs.
- Objectives include recognizing senior citizens' rights, promoting their well-being, encouraging their active participation, and fostering community support.
- Establish mechanisms for maximizing contributions and assistance programs.
Definition of Terms
- "Senior Citizen": Filipino resident aged 60 or above, including dual citizens with proof and residency.
- Definitions include benefactor, geriatrics, gerontology, identification documents, lodging establishments, medical terms, NGOs, OSCA, group/foster homes, basic necessities, etc.
- Identification documents include Senior Citizen ID issued by OSCA, passports, or government-issued IDs denoting age.
Privileges for Senior Citizens
- Senior Citizen ID issued by OSCA is mandatory for availing benefits nationwide.
- Entitled to 20% discount and VAT exemption on covered goods and services.
- Medical-related discounts cover medicines (prescribed vitamins, drugs, vaccines), medical supplies, services, professional fees.
- Discounts on domestic transportation fares including air, sea, rail, buses, taxis.
- Hotels, restaurants, leisure places, and funeral services extend 20% discount with personal availing by senior citizens only.
- Express lanes and prioritization in establishments.
- No double discount policy; higher discount between promotional and senior discount applies.
- Establishments can claim discounts as tax deductions subject to proper documentation.
Government Assistance
- Employment assistance and skills training to senior citizens provided.
- Tax incentives for private employers hiring senior citizens.
- Educational programs and scholarships for formal and vocational training.
- National health program focusing on geriatric care, priority medical services, free vaccinations for indigent seniors.
- Social services include self-enhancement, aftercare, neighborhood support, substitute family care, residential care, and inclusion in caregiving education.
- Housing programs tailored for senior citizens with special provisions.
- Improved access and facilities in public transport.
- Incentives for foster care providers.
- Social pension of Php 500/month for indigent senior citizens and mandatory PhilHealth coverage.
- Death benefit assistance of Php 2,000 for indigent senior citizen's surviving relatives or caregivers.
Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA)
- OSCA established in all cities and municipalities.
- OSCA head must be senior citizen, resident, voter, morally upright, educated, and member of seniors organization.
- Appointed by local mayor for three years; removable only for cause.
- OSCA functions include planning, monitoring, issuing IDs, information dissemination, complaint facilitation, and coordination with senior groups.
- Funding from local government units with office space in Mayor's office.
Penalties and Sanctions
- Violations include misuse of benefits, issuance of fraudulent prescriptions, refusal to grant discounts, imposing illegal restrictions.
- Penalties for first violation: Fine Php 50,000 to Php 100,000 plus imprisonment 2 to 6 years.
- Subsequent violations: Higher fines Php 100,000 to Php 200,000.
- Abuses punished by fines Php 50,000 to Php 100,000 and imprisonment not less than 6 months.
- Alien offenders are deported after sentence.
- Corporation officials can be held liable.
- Business permits and franchises may be revoked on violation.
Monitoring and Coordinating Mechanism
- National Coordinating and Monitoring Board (NCMB) established.
- Chaired by DSWD Sec., vice-chaired by DILG Sec., with members from DOJ, DOH, DTI, and senior NGOs.
- NGO representatives must be senior citizens or service sector leaders; serve 3-year terms.
- Functions include plan formulation, monitoring, coordinating programs, advocacy, capability building, research, and reporting.
- Regional Coordinating and Monitoring Boards mirror NCMB.
- DSWD acts as Secretariat at national and regional levels.
Final Provisions
- Funding for implementation included in agency budgets, with additional appropriations for health programs and pensions.
- LGUs responsible for OSCA operation and maintenance funds.
- Repeals inconsistent laws, provides separability clause.
- Effective 15 days post-publication in newspapers and filing with National Administrative Register.