MANILA, Philippines – Senator Bong Revilla has made a bill that aims to lower the senior citizen age from 60 to 56. The reason for the proposal is for the workers to enjoy the senior citizen's benefits earlier.
Revilla's Senate Bill No. 1573 aims to amend Republic Act No. 7432 which defines a senior citizen as at least sixty (60) years old.
"Nararapat lamang na ibaba natin ang edad para maging senior citizen ang ating mga nakakatandang kababayan. Sa panahon ngayon, lalo na at nagkapandemya, madami ang hindi pinalad umabot sa edad na sisenta. Sabi nga e, aanhin pa ang damo kung wala na ang kabayo. Kaya habang may oras pa e bigyang halaga na natin sila sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaabot ng benepisyo. Tandaan natin na ang mga kamay nila ang humubog kung ano man ang magandang tinatamasa natin ngayon," the veteran lawmaker explained on his bill.
Among the many benefits senior citizens enjoy is the 20% discounts at all transportation, establishments, etc. They also get to avail of free dental and medical services at public government facilities.
“Ang life expectancy ng mga Pilipino ay 72 years old lang. So ibig sabihin, hindi ganon tumatanda kaya at the age of 56, pag naipasa natin ang bill na ito mapapakinabangan na nila ang discount na 20%,” Revilla said.
If the bill passes and more citizens get to take advantage of the 20% discount early, it might have a negative impact on establishments and businesses. Revilla explained that win-win solution and proposed that those ages 56-59 get a 10% discount instead of the 20%.
“Gayunpaman mapag-uusapan natin kung paano natin magagawan ng paraan doon win-win, para sa ating mga kababayan,” he explained.
Revilla explained that the bill is not meant to force early retirement but instead focuses on early access to benefits. He further explained that it would be a big help to the Filipino public to have early access to benefits like these, especially in these difficult times when the prices of commodities are increasing.
"Hindi naman ito forced retirement. Ma-avail lang nila yung fixed discount when you reach 56 years old," he explained.
To assure that the elderly will be accorded with more relevant benefits, Revilla also filed Senate Bill No. 1558 that seeks to require establishments to provide priority seating for senior citizens. As provided in the bill, establishments including, but not limited to, restaurants, libraries, recreational centers, and venue halls shall reserve and designate best possible seats and tables to senior citizens.
— Sally, The Summit Express
Revilla's Senate Bill No. 1573 aims to amend Republic Act No. 7432 which defines a senior citizen as at least sixty (60) years old.
 |
| Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. stated that lowering the senior citizen age to 56 would allow Filipinos to benefit from discounts during these difficult times. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. |
"Nararapat lamang na ibaba natin ang edad para maging senior citizen ang ating mga nakakatandang kababayan. Sa panahon ngayon, lalo na at nagkapandemya, madami ang hindi pinalad umabot sa edad na sisenta. Sabi nga e, aanhin pa ang damo kung wala na ang kabayo. Kaya habang may oras pa e bigyang halaga na natin sila sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaabot ng benepisyo. Tandaan natin na ang mga kamay nila ang humubog kung ano man ang magandang tinatamasa natin ngayon," the veteran lawmaker explained on his bill.
Among the many benefits senior citizens enjoy is the 20% discounts at all transportation, establishments, etc. They also get to avail of free dental and medical services at public government facilities.
“Ang life expectancy ng mga Pilipino ay 72 years old lang. So ibig sabihin, hindi ganon tumatanda kaya at the age of 56, pag naipasa natin ang bill na ito mapapakinabangan na nila ang discount na 20%,” Revilla said.
If the bill passes and more citizens get to take advantage of the 20% discount early, it might have a negative impact on establishments and businesses. Revilla explained that win-win solution and proposed that those ages 56-59 get a 10% discount instead of the 20%.
“Gayunpaman mapag-uusapan natin kung paano natin magagawan ng paraan doon win-win, para sa ating mga kababayan,” he explained.
Revilla explained that the bill is not meant to force early retirement but instead focuses on early access to benefits. He further explained that it would be a big help to the Filipino public to have early access to benefits like these, especially in these difficult times when the prices of commodities are increasing.
"Hindi naman ito forced retirement. Ma-avail lang nila yung fixed discount when you reach 56 years old," he explained.
To assure that the elderly will be accorded with more relevant benefits, Revilla also filed Senate Bill No. 1558 that seeks to require establishments to provide priority seating for senior citizens. As provided in the bill, establishments including, but not limited to, restaurants, libraries, recreational centers, and venue halls shall reserve and designate best possible seats and tables to senior citizens.
— Sally, The Summit Express
