Senior Citizens Pledge Support to Loren

MAKATI CITY - AT A RECENT FORUM OF CITY AND MUNICIPAL CHAPTERS OF SENIOR CITIZENS UNIONS, SENATOR AND VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE LOREN LEGARDA GARNERED THE APPROVAL AND SUPPORT OF THE COUNTRY’S ELDERLY.

Commissioner Elsie de Veyra of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women lauded Loren for her programs promoting best practices on solid waste management. "We know that environmental protection is very close to her heart, and this is very closely related to economic progress and social transformation.”

Another union leader in the forum explained, “In the 70s our country was among the richest in Asia because we had equally rich natural resources. and a robust agriculture sector. Judging from the present state of our natural resources and its effect on the economy, it is clear that we need the leadership of Senator Loren to turn the situation around. Environmental degradation is a challenge to governance.

Loren spoke to the national congregation of senior citizens unions to assure her commitment to senior citizens’ welfare. In the Senate, she authored Senate Bill 1394 which ALLOTS REPRESENTATION FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE SANGGUNIANS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS. SHE HAS ALSO ADVOCATED FOR THE exemptION OF senior citizens from paying real property tax, therefore relieving them of additional financial burdens in the latter years of their life. At the meeting Legarda also expressed her intent to urge Congress to mandate the representation of the elderly in LGUs.

Loren explained, “Senior citizens have vital role to play in society. We must lend full support to the improvement of their total well-being and encourage them to contribute to nation-building.”

Loren is the principal author of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2009 which Grants the elderly a 20% discount on the purchase of goods and services. In effect, it addresses the discrepancy from the Expanded VAT by allowing senior citizens to enjoy the full 20% discount privilege instead of the current 8% practiced by service providers as a consequence of an apparent deficiency in the law which was amended.

Via: http://lorenlegarda.com.ph/news_115_Senior_citizens_pledge_support_for_loren.php

Bicam approves senior citizens bill

THE HOUSE AND SENATE BICAMERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE YESTERDAY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL BY CONGRESS OF AN ACT INCREASING THE BENEFITS OF SENIOR CITIZENS.

The committee decided to recommend approval by both houses of Congress of Senate Bill No. 3581, in consolidation with House Bill No. 6390. Senate Bill No. 3581, granting additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens, was principally authored by Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on health and demography.

Under the proposed Act, the senior citizen shall be entitled to a 20 percent discount and exemption from value added tax on the following:

(a) On the purchase of medicines, including the purchase of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, and such other essential medical supplies, accessories and equipment to be determined by the Department of Health (DOH).

(b) On the professional fees of attending physicians in all private hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinics and home health care services.

(c) On the professional fees of licensed professional workers providing home health care services as endorsed by private hospitals or employed through home health care employment agencies.

(d) On medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory fees in all private hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinic and home health care services,

(e) Death benefit assistance of a minimum of P2,000 to be given to the nearest surviving relative.

Via: http://lorenlegarda.com.ph/news_088_Bicam_approves_senior_citizens_bill.php