MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives on Monday unanimously approved on third and final reading House Bill 7030 or the “Anti-Elder Abuse Act.”
One hundred and seventy-six lawmakers gave their nod to the proposed law which seeks to penalize with jail time and fines in accordance with the Revised Penal Code abuses against senior citizens that range from physical, psychological, economic, sexual, and neglect and abandonment.
No lawmaker objected or abstained.
The bill, principally authored by Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Victor Yap seeks to give senior citizens the following rights in addition to those provided under existing laws:
(a) to avail of protection and legal assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office of the Department of Justice (DOJ) or any public legal assistance office,
(b) support services from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the concerned local government unit (LGU),
(c) legal remedies provided under the Family Code, and
(d) to be entitled to actual, compensatory, moral and exemplary damages, among others.
Section 6 of the proposed measure also tasks the DSWD and the Department of Health (DOH) to provide senior citizens who are victims of abuse temporary shelter, counseling, rehabilitation services and livelihood assistance, among others.
The bill further mandates local government units to respond to a call or request for assistance of the victims.
In addition, the Philippine National Police will establish guidelines and procedures in responding to calls and requests related to acts of violence committed against senior citizens under the bill.
The bill was approved on second reading last Jan. 30. /gsg
READ: Senior citizens’ protection bill hurdles second reading