Law Summary
Definition of Terms
- "Senior citizen": Resident Filipino citizens age 60 years or older.
- "Geriatrics": Medical science studying aging-related changes and diseases.
- "Lodging establishment": Includes hotels, inns, pension houses catering to travelers.
- "Medical services": Services by physicians and healthcare professionals for diagnosis or treatment.
- "Dental services": Oral health treatments necessary for illness or injury.
- "Nearest surviving relative": Legal spouse or relatives by degree of kinship.
- "Home health care service": Health care provided at home by licensed professionals.
- "Indigent senior citizen": Elderly without pension or income, needing assistance, as determined by relevant authorities.
Privileges for Senior Citizens
- 20% discount plus VAT exemption on essential goods and services including medicines, medical services, transportation, hotels, entertainment, and funeral services.
- Income tax exemption for senior citizens earning minimum wage.
- Minimum 5% discount on monthly water and electricity bills with consumption limits.
- Exemption from socioeconomic program training fees.
- Free medical, dental, diagnostic, and laboratory services in government facilities.
- Free vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal diseases for indigent seniors.
- Educational assistance through scholarships and subsidies.
- Continuance and potential upgrading of government-provided retirement benefits.
- Possible special discounts on basic commodities.
- Priority lanes or express lanes in commercial and government establishments.
- Death benefit assistance of at least Php 2,000 to nearest surviving relatives.
- Proof of entitlement includes OSCA-issued ID card, passport, or other documents.
- Option to choose higher discount between promotional and senior citizen discounts.
- Establishments granting discounts allowed to claim tax deductions.
Government Assistance Programs
- Employment opportunities with information and matching services; private employers get tax deductions for employing seniors.
- Skills training and livelihood support programs implemented by DOLE and related agencies.
- Formal and non-formal educational programs ensured by DepED, TESDA, CHED with NGO consultation.
- National health program including geriatric wards in government hospitals.
- Social services including social enhancement, aftercare, neighborhood support, and substitute family care.
- Inclusion of senior citizens’ housing needs in the national shelter program.
- Public transportation access facilitation by the DOTC.
- Incentives for foster care providers including tax holidays and road construction priority.
- Social pension of Php 500 monthly for indigent seniors, mandatory PhilHealth coverage, and social safety nets for disasters.
Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA)
- OSCA established in all cities and municipalities headed by a senior citizen appointed by the mayor.
- Head of OSCA serves a 3-year term, may be extended if needed, and is entitled to an honorarium.
- OSCA assisted by social welfare officers and supervised by the Office of the Mayor.
- Functions include program planning and monitoring, maintaining senior citizen lists, issuing IDs, information dissemination, monitoring compliance, reporting violations, and assisting in filing complaints.
Penalties for Violations
- First offense: imprisonment of 2-6 years and fines between Php 50,000 and Php 100,000.
- Subsequent offenses: imprisonment of 2-6 years and fines between Php 100,000 and Php 200,000.
- Abuse of privileges: imprisonment of at least 6 months and fines between Php 50,000 and Php 100,000.
- Corporate liability extends to responsible officers.
- Alien offenders face deportation after serving sentence.
- Possible cancellation or revocation of business permits for violators.
Monitoring and Coordinating Mechanism
- Establishment of a National Coordinating and Monitoring Board chaired by the Secretary of DSWD.
- Board members include representatives from DILG, DOJ, DOH, DTI and accredited NGOs for senior citizens.
- Board may call on other agencies or NGOs as resource persons without voting rights.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Secretary of DSWD to formulate and adopt amendments to rules within 60 days.
- Consultations to involve multiple government departments and accredited NGOs.
- DOH to issue guidelines for medical-related discounts within 60 days.
Appropriations
- LGUs to appropriate funds for OSCA operations.
- National agencies include program costs in their budgets.
- Initial funds for health programs and social pensions included in DOH and DSWD budgets respectively.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Inconsistent laws, rules, and regulations are repealed or amended accordingly.
- Declarations of unconstitutionality of any part do not affect the validity of remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes first.