House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The House of Representatives has given final approval to two bills that are expected to provide a huge economic boon to the country’s senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) 

Unanimously passed on third and final reading during plenary session Tuesday night, May 21 were House Bill (HB) No.10314, or the proposed Act rationalizing the benefits and privileges of senior citizens and PWDs; and HB No.10312, or the proposed Act enhancing the discount on the purchase of goods and services of senior citizens and PWDs. 

HB No.10314 garnered 236 affirmative votes, while HB No.10312 received 235 affirmative votes during nominal voting. 

The first measure, HB No.10314, ensures equal access to government services, discounts, and privileges for senior citizens and PWDs. 

The 20 percent discount and exemption enjoyed by the two sectors from value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services shall be applied to the final price after a promotional offer or discount, if any. 

It said that senior citizens and PWDs will be granted a 20 percent discount in paying parking fees in establishments with public parking facilities and the use of expressways and skyways. 

They will also be given a 15 percent discount on the monthly utilization of water and electricity supplied by public utilities provided that the individual meters are registered under the name of the senior citizen or PWD. 

The discount shall apply to electricity usage of up to 100 kilowatt hours (kwh) and water usage of up to 30 cubic meters. 
 

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Meanwhile, HB No.10312 seeks to standardize the application of a 20 percent discount, exemption from VAT on certain goods and services, and a special discount on purchasing basic necessities on the beneficiaries. 

Under the bill, the senior citizen and PWD discounts, as well as VAT exemptions on goods and services, or the special discount on purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities, “shall be in addition to any prevailing promotional offers or discounts extended by business establishments, if any". 

The discounts given shall be treated as part of the deductible expenses of the establishments under the National Internal Revenue Code, it further said.