Bill eyes raising senior citizens' discount to 25%

MANILA, Philippines - Noting that the expanded value-added tax (eVAT) had watered down the benefits of the present senior Citizens' Act, an opposition lawmaker is pushing to restore the discounts offered to the elderly. Makati Rep. Mar-Len Abigail Binay (UNO-PDP-Laban) filed House Bill 2399 mandating business establishments to increase from 20 to 25 percent the discounts for senior citizens. "Evidently, there is a need to amend Republic Act 9257 otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act in order for the elderly to truly enjoy the benefits given them under the said law," Binay said. She added her bill aims to help the elderly partially restore their purchasing power that was diminished by the e-VAT. At present, she said the elderly "are only receiving less than half of the 20 percent discount intended under the Senior Citizens Act." House Bill 2399 aims to spread the burden among the government, business establishments and senior citizens. Under the bill, senior citizens shall be entitled to a 25-percent discount on the gross selling price plus the VAT or percentage tax due thereon as the case may be from business establishments. These include hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers, and purchase of medicines in all establishments for the exclusive use or enjoyment of senior citizens, including funeral and burial services for the death of senior citizens. Also, the bill provides that senior citizens shall be given a minimum of 25 percent discount based on the gross selling price plus the VAT or percentage tax due thereon as the case maybe on admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, carnivals, and other amusement for the exclusive use or enjoyment of senior citizens. Senior citizens are also entitled to a 25 percent discount based on the gross fees plus the VAT or percentage tax due thereon as the case may be on medical and dental services, and diagnostic and laboratory fees, including professional fees of attending doctors in all private hospitals and medical facilities. They are also entitled to 25 percent discount based on the gross selling price inclusive of the VAT or percentage tax in fare for domestic air and sea travel, in public railways, skyways and bus fare for their exclusive use and enjoyment. - GMANews.TV