THE House special committee on senior citizen affairs has approved several bills expanding the health care benefits of Filipinos 60 years old and older. Approved bills cover free vaccinations, eye care, and nutrition.
“Mabilis at masinop kaming magtrabaho dito sa Kamara alang-alang sa mga senior citizens ngayon at sa mga magiging senior citizens sa mga darating na taon. Masigasig naming pinalalawak ang mga benepisyong nakapaloob sa Expanded Senior Citizens Act upang makasabay ang batas sa mga pangangailangan ng seniors at sa kakayahan ng pamahalaang mapondohan ang mga dagdag benepisyo,” said Senior Citizen partylist chair, Committee on Senior Citizens Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes.
Ordanes also recently filed House Bills 7487, 7488, 7489, 7490, and 7491. These five bill grants different sets of benefits or privileges to senior citizens.
HB 7487 provides for different rates of seniors discounts by age bracket. The discounts rise by increments of 5% for ten years starting at age 70 but are capped at 35% for those 90 years old and older. Ordanes said expenses increase as the seniors get older.
HB 7488 increases the death benefit assistance given to the family and/or relatives of a deceased senior citizen to a minimum of P25,000.
HB 7489 seeks to exempt senior citizens and persons with disabilities from payment of travel tax and terminal fees.
HB 7490 is about establishing and institutionalizing long-term care for senior citizens.
HB 7491 is for the exemption of senior citizens and persons with disabilities from the unified vehicular volume reduction program.
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