Philippines – House Committee on Population and Family Relations has approved a proposal to amend Republic Act 9994, known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” for a more inclusive definition of “indigent senior citizen.”
The Bills was Approved by Biliran Rep. Rogelio J. Espina Which embodied in House Bill 3172 filed by Rep. Angelina. Tan (4th District, Quezon).
Tan who was a Medical Doctor said the present definition of “indigent senior citizen” under RA 9994 excludes senior citizens who are not sick or disabled and who have pension or other sources of income but who are nonetheless in dire need of additional government assistance in the face of steep price of basic commodities
She Also said RA 9994 provides an array of benefits, privileges and assistance to senior citizens such as a 20 percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable, on the sale of some goods and services; death benefit assistance; educational assistance; free medical and dental services
“Hence, more senior citizens will feel more secure during the remaining years of their lives because of the guarantee that they will have the ready access to financial assistance and health services,” Tan said
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