A bill aiming to expand senior citizens’ discounts on fines imposed in them for traffic violations has been filed at the House of Representatives.
Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, filed House Bill (HB) No. 5402 which grants 20 percent discount to senior citizen drivers on traffic fines for which they will be found liable.
The Laguna lawmaker filed the bill on Tuesday, Oct. 4, in time for celebration of the country’s Elderly Filipino Week from Oct. 1 to 7.
A senior citizen is entitled to a 20 percent discount on medicine purchases, hospitalization bills, transportation fares, restaurant bills, and hotel accommodation as mandated in the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
His proposed measure sought to amend Republic Act No. 7432 or the Senior Citizens Act.
“In furtherance of the laudable Filipino consciousness that our elderlies still have much to contribute to nation-building, this bill further accords our senior citizen-drivers the privilege of enjoying a discount of 20 percent on traffic fines that may be imposed upon them,” said Fernandez in his bill’s explanatory note.
Despite their old age, Fernandez explained there are still senior citizens who drive private vehicles and public utility vehicles (PUVs) on the road.
“Elderly Filipinos driving jeepneys and cabs are still common sights on the road. Many seniors also drive their apos (grandchildren) to school, in reporting for work or simply as designated driver of the family,” he noted.
The lawmaker, however, cited that the elderly drivers are not as sharp on the road as before because their “driving reflexes, instincts and skills” have been affected by their age.
“Bumagal at hindi na sila (They became slow and they are not) as sharp as before kaya minsan ay nagkakamali na sila sa pagmamaneho (so sometimes they make mistakes in driving),” he said.
With this circumstances, Fernandez emphasized the need for government to reduce imposable fines on Filipino motorists who have reached 60 and above.
He also stressed that the discount is necessary especially for seniors whose source of livelihood is driving vehicles.
“Given the usual small amount of such charges (fines), it may be argued that whatever revenue loss to the government that might arise from the proposed discount, this would be far outweighed by the benefit of promoting the welfare and morale of our senior citizens,” he pointed out.
HB 5402 covers all fines on traffic violations imposed by both national government agencies and local government units.
The bill directs the chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to draw the implementing rules and regulations as soon as the legislative proposal is enacted into law.