Officers of the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines-National Capital Region, United Senior Citizens Associations of District III and the Pag-ibig sa Nayon Senior Citizens Association hailed the House Committees on Senior Citizens and on Ways and Means for approving the proposed “Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens and Private Entities Incentives Act.”

The bill consolidated three proposed legislative measures that would prod private business entities to hire senior citizens to be part of their working personnel.

Principal authors of the measure are Reps. Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” Villanueva (CIBAC Partylist) and Stella Quimbo (Marikina City),

“A good number of today’s senior citizens are qualified to work and are ready, willing and able na magbanat ng buto, If given the opportunity to work,” said FSCAP-NCR President Jorge Banal.

A former Quezon City councilor, Banal expects the bill to “improve the lives” families of senior citizens, especially the needy.


For her part, USCA-III President Godelia S. Esguerra agreed with the provisions of the bill even as she called for the swift passage of the legislative measure even

“I agree. Most seniors who are still able and capable would welcome that opportunity (to work),” Esguerra said.

She explained that employment can be considered an “outlet” for elderly folks to meet people and make new acquaintances.

“Second, it keeps the mind busy...mental faculties in action,” Esguerra stated.

According to her getting employed will allow seniors to better maintain physical mobility and enhance physical wellness of those who have ceased getting fitness exercises.

“Fourth, an added financial source gives happiness...an extra income is something a senior cherishes especially those who did not really work with real income,” explained the USCA III leader.

For her part, Digna Tayag, president of the Pag-ibig sa Nayon Senior Citizens Association, hailed authors of the bill for filing the bill that underscores the importance of giving the elderly opportunities for employment.

“Maraming seniors ang kaya pang magtrabaho upon reaching the age of 60,” said Tayag.

The bill directs the Department of Labor and Employment to provide senior citizens with information and matching service of available job opportunities.

It also proposes an increase in the allowable tax deduction on the gross income of private companies that hire senior citizens. From the current 15 percent, the bill proposes 25 percent deduction of the total amount paid as salaries and wages to elderly workers they hire.

To avail of the tax incentives, private firms must ensure the continuous employment of senior citizens for at least six months.

Villanueva said the bill “will redound to the benefit of millions of senior citizens who wish to remain economically active and productive” as they age.