Senat softier of the suctorg TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 AUG -5 P3:37 SENATE RECEIVEO 3! S. No. Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT RATIONALIZING THE DISCOUNTS AND EXEMPTION OF VALUE-ADDED TAX (VAT) ON ELECTRICITY AND WATER CONSUMPTION OF SENIOR CITIZENS, FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9994, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT OF 2010" EXPLANATORY NOTE The welfare of senior citizens is a key concern in the Philippines, as they constitute a significant and growing segment of the population. As they reach their advanced years, it becomes increasingly important for the government to ensure their well-being, particularly in terms of their economic stability and access to essential services. Many senior citizens face challenges due to fixed incomes, rising prices, and increasing utility costs. This places a heavy burden on their finances, especially in terms of their monthly expenses for electricity and water. This bill seeks to provide much-needed financial relief to senior citizens by granting them a minimum of five percent (5%) discount on their first 150 kilowatt- hours (kWh) of electricity consumption and on their first 50 cubic meters of water consumption. Additionally, the bill proposes to exempt senior citizens from the Value- Added Tax (VAT) on these utilities. This measure seeks to ease the financial pressures on senior citizens, allowing them to live with greater dignity and less economic strain, especially as they transition into their retirement years.
The proposed bill builds upon Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010," which already provides various benefits to senior citizens. This new measure aims to further strengthen the law by focusing on two critical utilities— electricity and water-which are essential for the daily lives of our elderly citizens. By amending the provisions of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, the bill provides tangible, immediate relief to senior citizens, ensuring that they can afford basic services that many of us often take for granted. By addressing these key utilities, the government demonstrates its commitment to improving the quality of life for senior citizens, making it easier for them to live independently and with dignity. A similar version of this bill was filed by Senator Grace Poe in the 19th Congress. In conclusion, this bill is a vital step toward improving the lives of senior citizens by addressing two of their most significant financial concerns: the rising costs of electricity and water. It is a reflection of the government's commitment to ensuring that the elderly receive the respect, support, and assistance they deserve. Immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought in order to provide meaningful financial relief to senior citizens and further enhance their quality of life. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
Splate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 AUG -5 P3:37 RECEIVED BY SENATE S. No. 914 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT RATIONALIZING THE DISCOUNTS AND EXEMPTION OF VALUE-ADDED TAX (VAT) ON ELECTRICITY AND WATER CONSUMPTION OF SENIOR CITIZENS, FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9994, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT OF 2010" Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Section 4 (c) of Republic Act No 7432, as amended by Republic Act
2 No. 9257, otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003", and as further amended by Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010", is hereby amended to read as follows: "Sec. 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens - "XXX "(c) the grant of a minimum of five percent (5%) discount [relative to the monthly utilization of water and electricity supplied by the public utilities] ON THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED FIFTY (150) KILOWATT HOURS (KWH) AND ON THE FIRST FIFTY (50) CUBIC METERS RELATIVE TO THEIR MONTHLY UTILIZATION OF WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLIED BY THE PUBLIC UTILITIES, AND EXEMPTION FROM THE VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT): Provided, That the individual meters for the
foregoing utilities are registered in the name of the senior citizen residing therein: [Proviaed, further, That the monthly consumption does not exceed one hundred kilowatt hours (100 kWh) of electricity and thirty cubic meters (30 m3) of water] Provided, furthermore, That the privilege is granted per household regardless of the number of senior citizens residing therein."
Sec. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from the
enactment of this law, the concerned agencies named under Republic Act No. 9994 shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations.
Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of the Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,