Pass bills benefiting senior citizens

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:12 AM December 25, 2018

The 17th Congress will adjourn in two months ahead of the May 2019 elections. We seniors fervently hope Congress will pass the following bills before then:

(1) House Bill No. 7495 that will automatically increase the pension of government retirees;

(2) House Bill No. 7822 seeking to increase the 20-percent senior citizens discount as the seniors get older;

(3) House Bill No. 7821 seeking the partial release of the centenarian gift of P100,000 for those who reach 100 years of age, by releasing P90,000 upon reaching the age of 90, so that the seniors can enjoy them more, especially for their health and nutrition;

(4) and the proposed amendment to Republic Act No. 7699, or the Portability Law, to grant cash gifts and pension increases to retirees under this law, in the same manner as retirees under other laws are getting.

All these bills make seniors hopeful, but when will our hopes turn to reality?

Next year is an election year; Congress leaders should realize there are some 10 million senior voters. Turn their hopes to reality!

MAFEO R. VIBAL, Vice President – External Affairs and Legislative Liaison Officer Philippine Association of Retired Persons, [email protected]

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