RA 7432 - An Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation Building, Grant Benefits and Special Privileges In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements Health Care: Philippine Setting Preventive Medicine III Department of Preventive, Family & Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine and Surgery University of Santo Tomas Group Leader: Jhudielle Medenilla Secretary: Gracielle Mendoza Members: Kristianne Medina, Sakura Medina, Carmelou Mejino, Ivy Melgerjo, Alvin Mendoza, Dianna Mendoza, Donn Mendoza, Ace Mindanao, Maria Miranda, Miguel Molina, Jerry Monzon, Arriane Morales, Merwen Musni, Anna Pauline Nallas, Ayne Naval Alejandro V. Pineda, Jr., MD & Rafael P. Bantayan, Jr, MD

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DATA: Life Expectancy at Birth Males: 64 years old Females: 70 years old Both Sexes: 67 years old Source: Philippine Health Statistics Update 2005 Last Update: July 1, 2009

Table A. Population Distribution of Senior Citizens by Region: Philippines, 2000 Source: NSO, 2000 Census of Population & Housing     Region     Total Population Number of Senior Citizens Percent to Total Senior Citizens Percent to Regional Population   PHILIPPINES 76,504,077   4,565,560   100.00   5.97     REGION I - Ilocos Region 4,200,478   337,797   7.40   8.04     REGION II - Cagayan Valley 2,813,159   179,655   3.94   6.39     REGION III - Central Luzon 8,030,945   482,333   10.56   6.01     REGION IV - Southern Tagalog 11,793,655   648,495   14.20   5.50     REGION V - Bicol Region 4,686,669   313,531   6.87   6.69     REGION VI - Western VIsayas 6,211,038   473,752   10.38   7.63     REGION VII - Central Visayas 5,706,953   409,791   8.98   7.18     REGION VIII - Eastern Visayas 3,610,355   270,447   5.92   7.49     REGION IX - Western Mindanao 3,091,208   157,324   3.45   5.09     REGION X - Northern Mindanao 2,747,585   155,273   3.40   5.65     REGION XI - Southern Mindanao 5,189,335   259,533   5.68   5.00     REGION XII - Central Mindanao 2,598,210   120,425   2.64   4.63     NCR (National Capital Region) 9,932,560   468,876   10.27   4.72     CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region) 1,365,412   86,741   1.90   6.35     ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) 2,412,159   76,590   1.68   3.18     Caraga 2,095,367   124,283   2.72   5.93  

Senior citizens numbered to 4.6 million The total number of senior citizens (60 years old and over) based on the 2000 Census of Population and Housing was 4.6 million, accounting for 5.97 percent of the 2000 Philippine population The largest percentage of senior citizens was found in Southern Tagalog (Region IV) with a 14.2 percent contribution to the total while the lowest percentage was registered in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with 1.68 percent.

Sex ratio was recorded at 85 males for every 100 females Of the 4.6 million senior citizens, about 54.11 percent (2.5 million) were females while the rest were males (85:100)

More than half of senior citizens were household heads More than half of the household population 60 years old and over (57.41 percent) were household heads and nearly one-fourth were spouses of the household heads. Of the total number of households in the Philippines (15.3 million), 17.13 percent (2.6 million households) were headed by senior citizens Headship rate among males and females was highest at ages 60 to 64 years (39.41 percent for male-headed households and 29.69 percent for females)

Relevant Provisions of RA 7432

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policies and Objectives Duty of the family to take care of its elderly members Duty of State to design programs of social security social justice in all phases of national development health development

Policies of RA 7432 To motivate and encourage the senior citizens to contribute to nation building To encourage their families and communities they live with to reaffirm the valued Filipino tradition of caring for the senior citizens

Aims of RA 7432 Establish mechanism whereby the contribution of the senior citizens are maximized Adopt measures whereby our senior citizens are assisted and appreciated by the community as a whole Establish a program beneficial to the senior citizens, their families and the rest of the community that they serve

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms Senior citizen Any resident of the Philippines at least sixty (60) years old retirees from both government offices and private enterprises Income of not more than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000.00) per annum (subject to review by NEDA every 3 years) Head of the family any person so defined in the National Internal Revenue Code.

SECTION 3. Contribution to the Community Shall consist of but not limited to any of the following: Tutorial and/or consultancy services Actual teaching and demonstration of hobbies and income generating skills Lectures on specialized fields like agriculture, health, environmental protection and the like The transfer of new skills acquired by virtue of their training (Section 4) Undertaking other appropriate services as determined by the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs school traffic guide, tourist aid, pre-school assistant, etc

SECTION 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The grant of twenty percent (20%) discount from all establishments transportation services hotels and similar lodging establishment Restaurants recreation centers purchase of medicines anywhere in the country

A minimum of twenty percent (20%) discount on: admission fees charged by theaters other similar places of culture, leisure, and amusements Exemption from the payment of individual income taxes Exemption from training fees for socioeconomic programs undertaken by the OSCA

Free medical and dental services in government establishment anywhere in the country (Subject to guidelines issued by DOH, GSIS, and SSS) To the extent practicable and feasible, the continuance of the same benefits and privileges given by the GSIS, SSS and PAG-IBIG, as the case may be, as are enjoyed by those in actual service

SECTION 5. Government Assistance The senior citizen shall be treated as dependents, individual taxpayers caring for them, be they relatives or not shall be accorded the privileges granted by the Code insofar as having dependents are concerned

Individuals or non-governmental institutions establishing homes, residential communities or retirement villages solely for the senior citizens shall be accorded the following: Realty tax holiday for the first five (5) years starting from the first year of operations Priority in the building and/or maintenance of provincial or municipal roads leading to the aforesaid home, residential community or retirement village.

SECTION 6. Retirement Benefits retirement benefits from both the Government and the private sectors shall be upgraded to be at par with the current scale enjoyed by those in actual service

SECTION 7. The Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) established in the Office of the Mayor headed by a Councilor designated by the Sangguniang Bayan assisted by the Community Development Officer in coordination with DSWD

Functions of his office: To plan, implement and monitor yearly work programs in pursuance of the objectives of this Act To draw up a list of available and required services which can be provided by the senior citizens To maintain and regularly update on a quarterly basis the list of senior citizens and to issue nationally uniform individual identification cards which shall be valid anywhere in the country To serve as a general information and liaison center to serve the needs of the senior citizens

SECTION 8. Municipal Responsibility to ensure that the provisions of this Act are implemented to its fullest

SECTION 9. Penalties Violation of any provision of this Act for which no penalty is specifically provided under any other law punished by: imprisonment not exceeding one (1) month fine not exceeding One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) both

SECTION 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Department of Finance Department of Tourism Department of Health Department of Transportation and Communications Department of Interior and Local Government

SECTION 12. Repealing Clause All provisions of laws, orders, and decrees, including rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed and/or modified accordingly

SECTION 11. Appropriation local government units concerned The National Government shall appropriate such amount as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act

SECTION 13. Separability Clause If any part or provision of this Act shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect

SECTION 14. Effectivity This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in one (1) national newspaper of general circulation

Emphasis on Healthcare Under Section 4 (a) and (e) The grant of twenty percent (20%) discount from all establishments... and purchase of medicines anywhere in the country Free medical and dental services in government establishment anywhere in the country

Purchases of Medicine Benefits A senior citizen is entitled to a minimum of twenty per cent (20%) discount in the purchase of medicine for his personal use and according to his personal need

In the purchase of medicine, a senior citizen or his doctor or the latter’s duly authorized representative should always present: the national identification card duly certified by the OSCA doctor’s prescription in case of prescription drugs. If over-the-counter, the number of drugs purchased shall be commensurate to the elderly person’s needs. discount privileges shall be limited and exclusive for the benefit of the senior citizen

Medical/Dental Benefits The DOH directed “free” - free of charge on medical/dental services where capability and facility for such services are available The term “medical services” shall refer to services pertaining to the medical care/attendance treatment given to senior citizens (health examinations, medical/surgical procedures within the competence and capability of DOH establishments/hospitals/units and routine/special laboratory examinations and ancillary procedures as required

Dental Services Services pertaining to dental care/attendance and remedy given to senior citizens. oral examination permanent and temporary fillings extractions gum treatment

Professional Services Services rendered or extended by medical, dental and nursing professionals also includes services rendered by: Surgeons EENT practitioners Gynecologists Urologists Neurologists Psychiatrists Psychologists other allied specialists

Counseling Services Advices given by health professional Psychologists Psychiatrists Nutritionists Nurses other allied health professionals in support to specific treatment of illnesses

Health services that may be availed of for free in any government establishments Medical and dental services Out-Patient consultations Available medicines in all public health programs Available diagnostic and therapeutic procedures Use of operating rooms, special units and central supply items Accommodations in the charity ward Professional and counseling services

Stipulations imposed to avail of the aforementioned services A senior citizen may obtain the benefits from any government establishment. present the national ID card issued by the OSCA to the medical and social services or Medical Social Worker designated who shall determine the validity of the ID card Non-presentation of the national ID card shall be sufficient reason for denial of free hospital benefits.

In case of emergency, the medical benefits shall be accordingly provided by the receiving hospital even if the ID is not available. However, the national ID card should be presented within a reasonable time. Non-presentation of the national ID card shall be sufficient ground for charging the service already given and denial of further availment of the benefits

Admission to a private room/pay ward or be transferred from a free room to a pay room, the amount equivalent to the rate of a free room should be discounted from that of the pay room/ward Referral or transfer to another government establishment, the receiving hospital shall provide the full benefits under this rule In case of transfer/referral between the DOH hospitals, procedures shall be based on the DOH Network Guidelines

Responsibilities of Government Establishments Provide all available medical and dental services Establish a system by which all senior citizens in dire need of health serve shall be given priority and utmost consideration Establish and maintain a recording/reporting system which data may be used as inputs for program/project planning and evaluation Strengthen their competence and capability to evaluate and manage geriatric cases through continuing education

Responsibilities of Senior Citizens entitled to Health Benefits and Privileges Adhere to rules and regulations Recognize that the government establishments have limitations and constraints not demand for services that are not available Secure on their own payable services that are not covered by their health benefits Safeguard the integrity of their identification card

Benefits Extended to Senior Citizen retirees of the GSIS Life Insurance maturity benefit – retiree will receive the total face value of the policy, less any indebtedness thereon. policy loan – loanable amount will not exceed 90% of the cash value of his insurance at the time of application death benefit – when the retiree dies while life insurance membership is in force prior to maturity date, the designated beneficiaries double indemnity

Retirement basic monthly pension for life Upon death of a pensioner who retired under PD 1146 or RA 660 the primary beneficiaries shall receive a basic survivorship pension (50% of BMP plus dependent’s pension) Funeral Benefit – payable upon death of the retirees, pensioner or gratuitant, the latter must have retired with at least 20 years of service to be entitled to the benefit

Medicare Employees who retired from the service before age 60 may opt to continue their membership within 6 months from date of retirement by contributing both personal and government shares of their Medicare premiums until their 60th birthday government employee who retires under RA 1616, PD 1146 or PD 1184 at age 60 or above or under RA 660 (regardless of age) are covered without paying contributions pursuant to PD No. 408. legal dependents are also extended Medicare benefits

Legal Dependents: The legal spouse who is not a Medicare member. The unmarried and unemployed children (Legitimate, acknowledged, legally adopted, step children below 21) Children 21 years old or above with disability acquired before the age of 21

Benefits under the Medicare Act Allowance for room and board Allowance for drugs and medicines Allowance for x-ray/laboratory examinations/others Surgeon’s fee Medical Practitioner’s fee Anesthesiologist’s fee Operating room fee Allowance for sterilization procedures

Types of Non-Compensable Treatments Cosmetic surgery or treatment Optometric services Psychiatric services Services which are purely diagnostic Employees Compensation (PD 626) Only employment-connected injury or sickness resulting in disability or death is compensable

Type of Disability Benefits Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

GUIDELINES ON THE ISSUANCE OF THE NATIONALLY UNIFORM IDs OF SENIOR CITIZENS AS PER R.A. 7432

Senior Citizens ID to be provided by the DSWD for free process of securing the ID: A Senior Citizen shall enlist at the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) established at the Office of the Mayor in his/her city or municipality The OSCA shall determine the eligibility of the senior citizen All eligible senior citizens shall provide OSCA two (2) ID pictures taken within the year of enlisting at OSCA

The OSCA shall prepare the list of Senior Citizens to be certified by the local office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the local Civil Registrar’s office Duplicate copy of the certified list of senior citizens shall be submitted by OSCA to the DSWD filed office The Bureau of Disabled Persons Welfare, DSWD shall send to the 14 DSWD Field Offices number of IDs needed by the Elderly of the region The DSWD Field Office shall release the IDs to the respective local OSCAs The OSCA shall issue the ID cards duly signed by the municipal/city Mayor to the qualified senior citizens The OSCA shall issue the nationally uniform ID card without cost to the Senior Citizen

Other related laws

Republic Act No. 9257 AN ACT GRANTING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO SENIOR CITIZENS AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE R.A. 7432, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “AN ACT TO MAXIMIZE THE CONTRIBUTION OF SENIOR CITIZES TO NATION BUILDING, GRANT BENEFITS AND SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

Section 1 This Act shall be known as the “ Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003” Section 2 Republic Act No. 7432 is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 1. Declaration of Policies and Objectives To give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of the elderly and their full participation in society considering that senior citizens are integral part of Philippine Society To recognize rights of senior citizens to take their proper place in society. To provide a comprehensive health care and rehabilitation system for disabled citizens to foster their capacity to attain a more meaningful and productive ageing To recognize the important role of private sector in the improvement of the welfare of senior citizens and to actively seek their partnership

Section 1. Declaration of Policies and Objectives In accordance with these policies, this Act aims to: establish community based health and rehabilitation programs in every political unit of society

Section 2. Definition of Terms "Senior citizens“ or “elderly” shall mean any resident of the Philippines at least sixty (60) years old. (b) “ Benefactor” shall mean any person whether related to the senior citizen or not who takes care of him/her as a dependent.

Section 2. Definition of Terms (c) “Head of the family” shall mean any person so defined in the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended (d) “ Geriatrics” shall refer to the branch of medical science devoted to the study of the biological and physical changes and diseases of old age.

Section 3. Contribution to the Community Any qualified senior citizen as determined by the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) may render his/her services to the community which shall consist of, but not limited to any of the following: a. Tutorial and consultancy services b. Actual teaching and demonstration of hobbies and income generating skills c. Lectures on specialized fields like agriculture, health, environment protection and the like; d. The transfer of new skills acquired by virtue of their training mentioned in Section 4, paragraph (d); and e. Undertaking other appropriate services as determined by OSCA such as school traffic guide, tourist aide, pre-school assistant etc. “… OSCA ,may award or grant benefits or privileges to the elderly, in addition to the other privileges provided for under this act.”

The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (a.) The grant of 20% discount from all establishments relative to the utilization of services in hotels and similar lodging establishment, restaurants and recreation centers, and purchase of medicines in all establishments for the exclusive use and enjoyment of senior citizens, including funeral and burial services for the death of senior citizens.

The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (b.) A minimum of 20% discount on admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement for the exclusive use and enjoyment of senior citizens.

Exemption from the payment of individual income taxes Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (c.) Exemption from the payment of individual income taxes Provided, that their annual income taxes do not exceed the poverty level as determined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for that year.

Exemption from training fees for socioeconomic programs Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (d.) Exemption from training fees for socioeconomic programs

Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (e.) Free medical and dental service, diagnostic and laboratory fees such as but not limited to, X-rays, CT scans and blood tests, in all government facilities, subject to the guidelines to be issued by the Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHILHEALTH)

Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (f.) The grant of 20% discount on medical and dental services, and diagnostic and laboratory fees provided under Section 4 (e) hereof, including professional fees of attending doctors in all private hospitals and medical facilities, in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by DOH and in coordination with PHILHEALTH

Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (g.) The grant of 20% discount in fare for domestic air and sea travel for the exclusive use of or enjoyment of senior citizens

Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (h.) The grant of 20% discount in public railways, skyway, and bus fare for the exclusive use and enjoyment of senior citizens.

Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (i.) Educational assistance to senior citizens to pursue post secondary, tertiary, post tertiary, as well as vocational or technical education in both public and private schools through provision of scholarship grants and financial aide subsidies and other incentives to qualified senior citizens including support for books, learning materials, and uniform allowance to the extent feasible: Provided that, senior citizens shall meet the minimum admission requirements.

The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (j.) To the extent practicable and feasible, the continuance of the same benefits and privileges given by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), and PAG-IBIG, as the case may be are enjoyed by those in actual service

The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (k.) Retirement benefits of retirees from both government and private sector shall be regularly reviewed to ensure their continuing responsiveness and sustainability, and to the extent practicable and feasible, shall be upgraded at par with the current scale enjoyed by those in actual service

The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (l.) To the extent possible, the government may grant special discounts in special programs for senior citizens on purchase of basic commodities, subject to the guidelines to be issued for the purpose by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA).

Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the following: (m.) Provision of express lanes for senior citizens in all commercial and government establishments; in the absence thereof, priority shall be given to them.

To avail any of these privileges, the senior citizen should present any of the following: 1. An ID issued by the city, municipal mayor or of the barangay captain of the place where the senior citizen or elderly resides. Passport of the elderly person or senior citizen concerned Other documents that establish that the senior citizen or elderly person is a citizen of the Republic and is at least 60 years of age.

Employment Section 5. Government Assistance The government shall provide the following: Employment Senior citizens who have the capacity and desire to work, or be re-employed, shall be provided information and matching services to enable them to be productive members of society Private entities that will employ senior citizens as employees shall be entitled to an additional deduction from their gross income, equivalent to 15 % of the total amount paid as salaries and wages to senior citizens. (Sec 34 National Internal Revenue Code) Department of Labor and Employment, in coordination with other government agencies such as, but not limited to, the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), shall assess, design and implement training programs that will provide skills and welfare or livelihood support for senior citizens.

B. Education Section 5. Government Assistance The government shall provide the following: B. Education The Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in consultation of NGOs and People’s Organization (Pos) for senior citizen, shall institute a program that will ensue access to formal and non formal education.

C. Health Section 5. Government Assistance The government shall provide the following: C. Health The Department of Health, in coordination with local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organization (Pos) for senior citizen, shall provide an integrated health service for senior citizens. It shall train community based health workers among senior citizens ad health personnel to specialize in geriatric care health problems of senior citizens

D. Social Services Section 5. Government Assistance The government shall provide the following: D. Social Services DSWD, in cooperation with OSCA and the LGUs, NGOs, and Pos for senior citizens shall develop and implement programs on social services for senior citizens: Self and social enhancement services After care and follow up services Neighborhood support services Substitute family care

E. Housing Section 5. Government Assistance The government shall provide the following: E. Housing The national government program shall include in its national shelter program the special housing needs of seniors citizens, such as establishing housing units for the elderly

F. Access to Public Transport Section 5. Government Assistance The government shall provide the following: F. Access to Public Transport The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) shall develop a program to assist senior citizens to fully gain access in the use of public transport facilities

Assistance to those caring for and living with senior citizens Section 5. Government Assistance The government shall provide the following: Assistance to those caring for and living with senior citizens Individual tax payers caring for them, be they relative or not shall be accorded privileges granted by the National Internal Revenue code in so far as having dependents are concerned Individuals or non-government institutions establishing homes, residential communities or retirement villages solely for the senior citizens shall be accorded the following: 1. Realty tax holiday for the first 5 years starting from the first day of operation 2. Priority in the building and/or maintenance of the provincial or municipal roads leading to the aforesaid home, residential community or retirement village

Section 6. Office of Senior Citizens Affair (OSCA) There shall be established in all cities and municipalities an OSCA to be headed by a senior citizen who shall be appointed by the mayor for a term of 3 years without reappointment from a list of 3 nominees of the sangguniang panlungsod or the sangguniang bayan The head of the OSCA shall be assisted by the City Social Welfare and Development Officer or the municipal social welfare and development officer, in coordination with the Social Welfare and Development Office.

Section 6. Office of Senior Citizens Affair (OSCA) The Office of the Mayor shall exercise supervision over the OSCA relative to their plans, activities and programs for senior citizens. The OSCA shall work together and establish linkages with accredited NGOs, Pos, and the barangays in their respective areas.

Section 6. Office of Senior Citizens Affair (OSCA) The OSCA shall have the following functions: a. To plan, implement and monitor yearly work programs in pursuance of the objectives of this Act; b. To draw up a list of available and required services which can provided by the senior citizens; c. To maintain and regularly update on a quarterly basis the list of senior citizens and to issue nationally uniform individual identification cards, free of charge, which be valid anywhere in the country; d. To service as a general information and liaison center to serve the needs of the senior citizens;

Section 6. Office of Senior Citizens Affair (OSCA) The OSCA shall have the following functions: e. To monitor compliance of the provisions of this Act particularly the grant of special discounts and privileges to senior citizens; f. To report to the mayor, establishment found violating any provision of this Act; and g. To assist the senior citizens in filing complaints or charges against any establishment, institution, or agency refusing to comply with the privileges under this Act before the Department of Justice or the provincial, city or municipal trial court.

Section 7. Municipal / City Responsibility It shall be the responsibility of the municipal/city through the mayor to require all establishment covered by this Act to prominently display posters, stickers, and other notices that will generate public awareness of the rights and privileges of senior citizens and to ensure that the provisions of this Act are implemented to its fullest.

Section 8. Partnership of the National and Local Government Units The national government and local government units shall explore livelihood opportunities and other undertaking to enhance the well-being of senior citizens. They shall encourage the establishment of grassroots organizations for the elderly in their respective territorial jurisdictions.

Section 9. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) NGOs dedicated to the promotions, enhancement and support of the welfare of senior citizens are hereby encouraged to become partners of government in the implementation of program and projects for the elderly. The government shall recognize the vital role of NGOs in complementing the government in the delivery of services to senior citizens. It shall likewise encourage NGOs to develop innovative service models and pilot projects and to assist in the duplication of successful examples of these models elsewhere in the country.

Section 10. Penalties Any person who violates any provision of this Act shall suffer the following penalties: 1. For the first violation, a fine of P50,000.00 to P100,000.00 and imprisonment of 6 months to 2 years; 2. For any subsequent violation, a fine of P100,000.00 to P200,000.00 and imprisonment for 2 to 6 years.

Section 10. Penalties Any person who abuses the privileges granted herein shall be punished with a fine of P5,000.00 to P50,000.00, and imprisonment of not less than 6 months. If the offender is a corporation, organization or any similar entity, the official directly involved shall be liable. If the offender is an alien or a foreigner, he shall be deported immediately after service of sentence without further deportation proceedings. Upon filling an appropriate complaint, and after due notice and hearing, the proper authorities may also cause the cancellation or revocation of the business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges granted to any business entity that fails to abide by the provisions of this Act.

Section 11. Monitoring and Coordinating Mechanism A monitoring and coordinating mechanism shall be established to be chaired by the DSWD, with the assistance of the ff: Department of Justice (DOJ) Department of Health (DOH) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 5 accredited NGOs representing but not limited to, women, urban poor, rural poor, and the veterans.

Section 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations The Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, within 60 days from the approval of this Act, shall promulgate the implementing, rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.

Section 13. Appropriation The necessary appropriation for the operation and maintenance of the OSCA shall be appropriated and approved by the local government units concerned. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act upon its effectivity shall be charged out of the funds of the Office of the President. Thereafter, any such sum as shall be needed for the regular implementation of this Act shall be included in subsequent General Appropriations Act following its enactment into law."

Republic Act No. 7876 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER IN ALL CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE

Section 1. Title This Act shall be known as the "Senior Citizens Center Act of the Philippines."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy It is the declared policy of the State to provide adequate social services and an improved quality of life for all. For this purpose, the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach towards health development giving priority to elderly among others.

Section 3. Definition of Terms "Senior citizens," as used in this Act, shall refer to any person who is at least sixty (60) years of age. (b) "Center," as used in this Act, refers to the place established by this Act with recreational, educational, health and social programs and facilities designed for the full enjoyment and benefit of the senior citizens in the city or municipality

Section 4. Establishment of Centers There is hereby established a senior citizens center, hereinafter referred to as the Center, in every city and municipality of the Philippines, under direct supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, hereinafter referred to as the Department, in collaboration with the local government unit concerned.

Section 5. Functions of the Centers The centers are extensions of the fourteen (14) regional offices of the Department. They shall carry out the following functions: (a) Identify the needs, trainings, and opportunities of senior citizens in the cities and municipalities;

Section 5. Functions of the Centers The centers are extensions of the fourteen (14) regional offices of the Department. They shall carry out the following functions: (b) Initiate, develop and implement productive activities and work schemes for senior citizens in order to provide income or otherwise supplement their earnings in the local community;

Section 5. Functions of the Centers The centers are extensions of the fourteen (14) regional offices of the Department. They shall carry out the following functions: (c) Promote and maintain linkages with provincial government units and other instrumentalities of government and the city and municipal councils for the elderly and the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines and other non-government organizations for the delivery of health care services, facilities, professional advice services, volunteer training and community self-help projects;

Section 5. Functions of the Centers The centers are extensions of the fourteen (14) regional offices of the Department. They shall carry out the following functions: (d) To exercise such other functions which are necessary to carry out the purpose for which the centers are established.

Section 6. Center Workers The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) may designate social workers from the Department as the workers of the centers: Provided, however, That the Secretary may appoint other personnel who possess the necessary professional qualifications to work efficiently with the elderly of the community.

Section 6. Center Workers The Secretary may also call upon private volunteers who are responsible members of the community to provide medical, educational and other services and facilities for the senior citizens.

Section 7. Qualification/Disqualification A senior citizen who suffers from a contagious disease, or who is mentally unfit or unsound or whose actuations are inimical to other senior may be denied the benefits provided in the Center. However, the center shall refer the senior citizen concerned to the appropriate government agency for the needed medical care or confinement

Section 8. Exemptions of the Center The Center shall be exempted from the payment of customs duties, taxes and tariffs on the importation of equipment and supplies used actually, directly and exclusively by the Center pursuant to this Act, including those donated to the Center.

Section 9. Rules and Regulations Within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the DSWD, in coordination with other government agencies concerned, shall issue the rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

Section 9. Rules and Regulations Any violation of this section shall render the concerned official(s) liable under Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees" and other existing administrative and/or criminal laws.

Section 10. Coordination of Government Agencies The DSWD, in coordination with the Department of Health and other government agencies and local government units, shall assist in the effective implementation of this Act and provide the necessary support services.

Section 11. Appropriations The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and every year thereafter.

Section 11. Appropriations The sum necessary for the continuous operation of the centers shall be subsidized in part by the DSWD and in part by the local government units concerned.

Section 12. Repealing or Amending Clause All laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules and regulations, which are not consistent with this Act, are hereby modified, amended or repealed accordingly.

Section 13 This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Thank you. Group Leader: Jhudielle Medenilla Secretary: Gracielle Mendoza Members: Kristianne Medina, Sakura Medina, Carmelou Mejino, Ivy Melgerjo, Alvin Mendoza, Dianna Mendoza, Donn Mendoza, Ace Mindanao, Maria Miranda, Miguel Molina, Jerry Monzon, Arriane Morales, Merwen Musni, Anna Pauline Nallas, Ayne Naval