House approves bill seeking employment of seniors on final reading

MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to allow senior citizens to be employed even after they reach retirement age has been approved by the House of Representatives on the third and final reading.

During Tuesday’s plenary session, House Bill (HB) No. 10985, or the Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens and Private Entities’ Incentives Act was approved with 173 affirmative votes.

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Eight measures were previously consolidated into this bill, which seeks to amend Republic Act No. 7432 or an Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation Building, Grant Benefits, and Special Privileges and for Other Purposes.

Under HB 10985, the Department of Labor and Employment through the Public Employment Service Offices is tasked to provide information to senior citizens who are capable and desire to work or get re-employed.

The bill, once enacted, also mandates government agencies and private entities to “institute an employment program that promotes the general well-being of senior citizens and ensure access to employment opportunities to those who have the qualifications, capacity, and interest to be employed.”

It will also bar all government agencies and offices “from charging fees to senior citizens for documents—such as birth certificate, police clearance, medical certificate—required for their employment.”