(MANILA BULLETIN)

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure that would allow senior citizens to be employed even after reaching retirement age.

House Bill (HB) No. 10985, or the proposed Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens and Private Entities’ Incentives Act, received 173 affirmative votes during the plenary session on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

In a statement after the bill’s passage, House Speaker Martin Romualdez noted that providing more economic opportunities for senior citizens will “let them enjoy life even in their twilight years”. 

“Retired or elderly individuals should not just be left to fend for themselves or depend entirely on their monthly pension. It’s about time we help ensure automatic employment allocation for Filipinos aged 60 years old and above,” said Romualdez.

“Let’s allow them to still be productive citizens of the country. If advanced economies can do it, why can’t we?” he asked.

Once enacted into law, HB No. 10985 would mandate the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through the Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), to provide information and matching services to senior citizens with the capacity and desire to work or to be re-employed.

“All government agencies and private entities shall institute an employment program that promotes the general well-being of senior citizens and ensure access to employment opportunities to those who have the qualifications, capacity, and interest to be employed,” the bill read.

The measure specifies a list of possible employment for the elderly, which includes clerical or secretarial work, consultancy, cleaning or janitorial services, event organizing, teaching, kitchen help, sales assistance, and other jobs or volunteer work.

It likewise prohibits all government institutions, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units (LGUs), and government hospitals from charging fees to senior citizens for documents—such as birth certificate, police clearance, and medical certificate—required for their employment.

To encourage private entities to employ senior citizens as employees, the bill entitles them an additional deduction from their gross income, equivalent to 25 percent of the total amount paid as salaries, wages, benefits and training provided to senior citizens.

“Nothing in this Act shall prevent government agencies and private entities from hiring qualified senior citizens for consultancy and other similar arrangements, or from initiating or providing greater benefits, or improving the working conditions, or terms of employment of senior citizens beyond the minimum requirements provided by applicable laws,” the bill read.

Among the authors of HB No. 10985 are senior citizens themselves, including Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc, Bulacan 6th district Rep. Salvador Pleyto, and CIBAC Party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva.