Senior citizens may soon get discounted rates on traffic fines as Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez filed House Bill (HB) 5402.
HB 5402 is seeking to give a 20 percent discount to senior citizens on traffic fines. Fernandez wants the proposed bill to be immediately passed as there are still senior citizens who drive private vehicles and public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Fernandes explained that elderly Filipinos “driving jeepneys and cabs are still common sights on the road.” He also mentioned that other senior citizens ferry their grandchildren to school, among others.
The lawmaker noted that the driving reflexes of senior citizens may not be as sharp as before, resulting in the possibility of committing a traffic violation while behind the wheel.
“An elderly citizen’s driving reflexes, instincts and skills are no longer the same as what they used to be during his or her youth,” Fernandez said.
“Bumagal at hindi na sila as sharp as before. Kaya minsan ay nagkakamali na sila sa pagmamaneho,” Fernandez added.
(Their reflexes are not as sharp as before, which is why sometimes they commit mistakes while driving).
Fernandez believes that the proposed bill is essential especially for senior citizens who rely on driving as their source of livelihood. He also sees that the bill will boost the welfare and morale of motorists who have reached 60 years old and above.
“Given the usual small amount of such fines, it may be argued that whatever revenue loss to the government that might arise from the proposed discount, this would be far outweighed by the benefit of promoting the welfare and morale of our senior citizens,” Fernandez said.
HB 5402 covers all fines on traffic violations imposed by both national government agencies and local government units.
The bill tasks the Land Transportation Office and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to create the implementing rules and regulations as soon the as it is passed into law.
It is mandated in the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 that an individual is referred to as a senior citizen if he/she is at least 60 years old. The said act states that senior citizens are entitled to a 20 percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable, for the following:
- Purchase of medicines
- Hospitalization bills
- Public transportation rates
- Hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants, and recreation centers
- Admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, leisure, and amusement
- Funeral and burial services for the death of senior citizens
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