House OKs VAT exemption, bigger discount for seniors’ water, power bills

Senior citizens in San Marcelino town in Zambales wait for the distribution of their P3,000 social pension from the government on Thursday, Nov. 18. (Photo courtesy of San Marcelino Public Information Office)

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives approved on final reading Monday the bill granting bigger discounts on their monthly water and electricity bills, on top of VAT exemption for the said services.

With 203 affirmative votes, zero negative, and no abstention, the lower chamber approved House Bill No. 10568 which seeks to amend Republic Act No. 7432 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

Under the bill, lawmakers are pushing to exempt senior citizens from VAT and increase the minimum discount given to them on their monthly water and electricity bills from five percent to ten percent.

The individual meters for the water and electricity utilities, however, should be registered in the name of the senior citizen for them to avail of the discount and VAT exemption, the bill states.

“Provided further, that the monthly consumption does not exceed 150 kilowatt hours of electricity and 30 cubic meters of water,” the bill further stated.

“Provided furthermore, that the privilege is granted per household regardless of the number of senior citizens residing therein and that the registered senior citizen continues to live within the household address,” it added.

EDV