Priority Seating for the Elderly Act

Ofher of th TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) AUG -5 P3:41 SENATE RECEIVED BY -- S. No. 91.9 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT REQUIRING LAND, AIR, AND SEA TRANSPORT PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE PRIORITY SEATING FOR THE ELDERLY, FURTHER AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9257 AND 9994, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZEN'S ACT OF 2010" EXPLANATORY NOTE The elderly population in the Philippines is growing at an accelerating rate, and with this demographic shift comes a heightened need for policies that ensure the well- being, mobility, and dignity of senior citizens. Public transportation, a vital part of daily life, remains a challenge for many elderly individuals due to their physical limitations, making it difficult for them to navigate crowded vehicles. Ensuring priority seating for senior citizens is an essential step in guaranteeing their safety, convenience, and equal access to public services. The proposed measure, aims to amend Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by Republic Acts No. 9257 and 9994 (the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010), by mandating the allocation of designated priority seats for senior citizens across all forms of public transportation, including land, air, and sea travel. This measure aims to provide senior citizens with the comfort and dignity they deserve by ensuring that they have easy access to seats, thereby reducing the physical strain of commuting.

The passage of this bill is an acknowledgment that the elderly, like all citizens, should have access to the same opportunities for independence and participation in society-free from the barriers that limit their mobility. A similar version of this bill was filed by Senator Grace Poe during the 19th Congress. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. SINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 AUG -5 P3:41 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY S. No. 919 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT REQUIRING LAND, AIR, AND SEA TRANSPORT PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE PRIORITY SEATING FOR THE ELDERLY, FURTHER AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9257 AND 9994, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZEN'S ACT OF 2010" Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Priority Seating for the

2 Elderly Act".

Sec. 2. Section 5 (f) of Republic Act No. 7432 is hereby further amended to

4 read as follows: "SEC. 5. Government Assistance.- xxx "(a) Employment "xxx "(f) PRIORITY SEATING FOR THE ELDERLY- ALL PUBLIC UTILITIY VEHICLES (PUV), PUBLIC UTILITY BUSES (PUBS), RAIL TRANSPORT PROVIDERS, AND AIR AND SEA TRANSPORT PROVIDERS, SHALL RESERVE AND DESIGNATE THE BEST POSSIBLE SEATS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOTR), IN

COORDINATION WITH THE LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD (LTFRB), THE MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY (MARINA), THE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF THE AND ADMINSTRATVE PHILIPPINES (CAAP), SANCTIONS SUCH AS SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF THEIR FRANCHISE; "ANY RAIL TRANSPORT OPERATOR WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 5(F) THIS ACT SHALL, UPON CONVICTION, BE IMPRISONED FOR FIVE (5) MONTHS TO TWO (2) YEARS OR PAY A FINE OF THIRTY THOUSAND PESOS (P30,000.00) TO FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P50,000.00); "ANY COMMERCIAL AIR OR SEA TRANSPORT PROVIDER WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 5(F) THIS ACT SHALL, UPON CONVECTION', BE IMPRISONED FOR FIVE (5) TO TEN (10) YEARS OR PAY A FINE OF ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P100,000.00) TO FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000.00). "X × X."

Sec. 3. Appropriations, - Such funds necessary to carry out the provisions of

this Act shall be included in annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOTR, in coordination with

the LTFRB, MARINA, CAAP, and three (3) representatives from reputable and concerned civil society organizations, as determined by the DOTR, shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act within sixty (60) days from its effectivity.

Sec. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,

rules and regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

2 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,