INTRAMUROS, Manila — Fully committed in institutionalizing measures that would increase the privileges being enjoyed by the elderly, Senior Citizen party-list Congressman Rdolfo 'Ompong' Ordanes is pushing for the passing of his legislative proposal to expand employment opportunities for retirees or individuals who are 69 years old and above in order to uplift their lives from the threshold of dependency due to the lack of sufficient income.

Speaking at the National Press Club (NPC)'s Meet the Press media forum hosted by NPC director Benedict Abaygar of Global News Network (GNN), the sectoral representative explained that providing employment to senior citizens would be a much better option over and above the other benefits, such as discounts and free health services, that is already given under the law.

Ordanes explained that under the 1986 Constitution, the vital role of the elderly in nation-building is recognized and the state mandates to provide a just and dignified standard of living for all citizens, especially those in their twilight years.

"In line with this, various laws have been enacted to promote the welfare of senior citizens,, including Republic Act 7432, as amended by RAs 9257 and 9994, which grant benefits and privileges to our elderly. However, despite this laudable legislation, many of our seniors face economic insecurity, a lack of engagement in community life and underutilization of their skills and experiences," he pointed out.

"Many of them are still willing and able to work, contribute to society and support themselves abd their families but they are often denied the opportunity due to agediscrimination or a lack of enabling policies that promote their employability," he added.

Thus, the party-list lawmaker is eyeing to insitutionalize a policy that would expand employment opportunities in order to reach the elderly while also incentivizing its supportive implementation from the private sector through additional tax benefits for private entities who will employ qualified senior citizens.