Former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. (Abalos media)

Senatorial aspirant Atty. Benhur Abalos Jr. has expressed strong support for a pro-senior citizens measure that recently received the final nod of the House of Representatives. 

Abalos was referring to House Bill (HB) No.10985, which sought to provide employment opportunities for senior citizens and incentivize private entities to hire them. 

Also known as the Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens and Private Entities’ Incentives Act, the measure was passed on third reading on the strength of 173 affirmative votes during plenary session Tuesday. 

“This bill is a testament to how much our leaders value our senior citizens. I am hopeful this measure will be enacted into law to benefit millions of Filipinos who still wish to work and contribution to nation-building,” Abalos said in a statement Thursday, Nov. 21. 

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Abalos noted that as of 2020, the country had 9,242,121 senior citizens aged 60 and above. 

Abalos pointed to studies from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) titled “Aging Well in Asia,” published in 2024, that highlight the economic and social potential of older workers. 

“There have been a number of studies cited by the ADB which reveal that work in old age can significantly enhance financial stability, preserve social connections, and create a sense of self-worth among old-aged citizens,” Abalos said. 

“However, this is only possible if we create a work environment that provides equal opportunities to all ages, including the more than 9 million senior citizens in the country,” he said. 

Abalos, who is running for senator under the Alyansa Para sa Pagbabago 2025, said HB 10985 is a step in the right direction towards a more age-friendly work environment. 

He added that as long as work does not endanger their physical or mental well-being, senior citizens should be allowed and encouraged to work. 

“Ang panukalang batas na ito ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagbibigay ng trabaho sa ating mga nakatatanda, kundi pati na rin sa pagpapabuti ng kanilang kalidad ng buhay na hangad natin para sa bawat Pilipino, Abalos said. “Ang pagkakataong magtrabaho ay nagbibigay ng dignidad at seguridad, na hindi dapat mawala anoman ang iyong edad o antas sa buhay.” 

Abalos cited Singapore and Japan as among the countries that have embraced policies to support older workers. 

According to Abalos, Singapore’s New Part-Time Reemployment Grant incentivized employers to provide part-time reemployment and flexible work arrangements for older workers. Another program, the Senior Worker Early Adopter Grant, provided financial assistance to companies that voluntarily hire and retain older workers. 

In Japan, Abalos added, the 65 Years and Older Employment Promotion Subsidy, introduced in 2019, has facilitated lifelong employment for Japanese. 

Abalos, a former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary, said it's about time that the Philippines adopt similar policies. 

“If we aspire to be a first-world country, we need to think like one and align our policies accordingly. Let’s support senior citizens who are willing to work. Let’s make our workplaces safe and age-friendly. Let's incentivize companies that hire older workers,” Abalos said.