Senior citizens
THE House of Representatives has passed on second reading a proposed legislation that reflects concern over the welfare of the country’s millions of senior citizens.
Described as “timely and necessary,” House Bill (HB)No. 10985 wants to broaden job opportunities for elderly Pinoys by providing more incentives to firms hiring them.
Specifically, the bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 7432, or an “Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation-Building, Grant Benefits and Special Privileges and other Purposes.”
Likewise, the proposed law encourages public and privately-owned establishments to employ senior citizens, men and women, in exchange for more tax incentives.
HB No. 10985 also prohibits government offices and agencies from collecting fees from elderly jobseekers for copies of official documents required for employment.
it is a consolidation of eight proposed measures which seek to amend RA No. 7432.
Proponents said the legislation is seen to provide more jobs for senior citizens still capable of working in government and private offices.
Admittedly, many elderly, particulaly professionals, have the expertise to transform companies into world-class establishments.
“Sa totoo lang, kumpara sa mga bagong empleyado, ang mga elderly ay mina-mani lang ang trabaho sa opisina dahil sa kanilang mahabang experience,” an employer said.
That’s why we support the early passage of HB No. 7432.
Without doubt, the filing of the bill in the House of Representatives documents government efforts to enhance the living conditions of the elderly.
