MANILA, Philippines – Do you agree that the retirement for Filipino senior citizens should be at age 65? Or that the retirement age should be abolished altogether?
Some lawmakers are mulling over a rule that will remove the retirement age for Pinoy seniors.
They noticed that seniors at age 65 are “still capable and their wisdom is invaluable.”
The SSS law entails that the senior is entitled to a pension and retirement at the age of 60 years.
On the other hand, the GSIS law rules that the individual should at least pay 15 years of contribution before he/she can qualify for a pension.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), plans to implement a 5-year program that would “elevate the status and welfare of senior citizens in the country.”
The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), together with related government agencies has already begun the implementation of this 5-year plan, named: “The 5-Year Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens.
Presently, senior citizens in the Philippines enjoy these benefits.
Philippines’ senior citizens benefits
1. 20% discount in all facilities (restaurants, fast foods, drugstores)
All the elderly has to do is to present his/her senior ID and his medicine booklet or grocery booklet.
For restaurants and fast food outlets, the senior ID is enough.
2. Senior citizens’ lane in all establishments.
There should be a senior citizens’ lane in all establishments (banks, food outlets, drugstores, etc.)
If you don’t find one, you can call attention to the person in charge. They should prioritize you. Just present your senior ID.
3. Free dental and medical services
These free services are only applicable in government hospitals and clinics.
Private clinics usually offer a 20% discount on the doctor’s professional fee.
4. Philhealth coverage
The Philhealth coverage of Filipino citizens above 60 years old is mandatory. This deduction is added on top of the 20% discount and VAT exemption.
Hence, the senior citizen discount on his/her hospital bills will be 20% senior discount + VAT exemption + Philhealth coverage.
After all these deductions, the senior citizen can then pay the remaining bill.
5. Free vaccinations
You can inquire from the hospital what free vaccines are available for seniors. These are usually pneumococcal and flu vaccines. These include COVID-19 vaccinations and procedures.
6. Cash Rewards
The local governments often give out annual cash gifts ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 to senior citizens in their own locality. Inquire from your local government office.
The most known cash reward is the Php 100,000 for centennial seniors (100 years old and above).
In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) hands out Php 500.00 to indigent senior citizens every month nationwide.
7. Income tax exemption
This tax exemption is for minimum wage senior earners.
8. Transportation discounts
Senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discount on all public transport vehicles nationwide, except for taxis.
These are the most common benefits for senior citizens in the Philippines.
Check out if your elderly citizens in the Philippines are enjoying these perks.
You may want to read the Full Benefits of Filipino Senior Citizens on the DSWD page.
You may use this sample prayer, National Prayer for the Philippines
