Definition of Terms
- Senior Citizens: Resident Filipino citizens aged 60 or older, including retirees from government and private sectors, with an annual income not exceeding ₱60,000, subject to review every three years by the National Statistic Coordination Board (NSCB).
- Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA): Established at the municipal level, headed by a councilor designated by the Sangguniang Bayan/Panglungsod, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and senior citizens’ federation.
- National Identification Cards: ID cards issued through OSCA, initially for free by the DSWD, to authenticate senior citizen status.
Grant of Benefits to Senior Citizens
- Senior citizens traveling as passengers on public water transportation services are entitled to a discount of at least 20% on fare charges regardless of accommodation class.
- Senior citizens on board these vessels also receive at least a 20% discount on meals or purchased items from on-board restaurants, with the discount limited to the quantity for personal consumption per meal.
Eligibility for Benefits
- Proof of age: Senior citizens must present an official Senior Citizen ID issued by OSCA; physical appearance may be considered when appropriate.
- Proof of income: Annual income must be ₱60,000 or less, verified via OSCA ID.
Ticketing and Booking Procedures
- Shipping company ticketing offices must grant passage reservations to senior citizen beneficiaries.
- Senior citizens must purchase discounted tickets by the day of departure, ideally two hours before sailing for same-day purchases.
Sanctions for Violations
- Violations are penalized with fines not less than ₱1,000.
- Violations related to failure to honor benefits may lead to suspension, revocation, or cancellation of operational permits or certificates.
Procedural Guidelines for Enforcement
- Processes for violations are summary and allow only complaint-affidavit and answer pleadings.
- MARINA has authority to dismiss insufficient complaints on its own motion.
- All pleadings require verification.
- Upon finding cause, MARINA issues an order detailing alleged violations and requiring the respondent's answer.
- Service of orders is done personally or by registered mail, including a copy of the complaint.
- Failure to answer results in case submission for decision or, optionally, a hearing for factual clarifications.
- Deposition or oral examination may be employed if the complainant cannot attend hearings.
Effectivity
- The memorandum circular takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.