House bill creating more jobs for seniors closer to final OK
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill seen to broaden job opportunities for elderly Filipinos by providing more incentives to firms who hire them.
In Wednesday’s plenary session, lawmakers, through viva voce or a voice vote, passed on second reading House Bill No. 10985 or the proposed Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens and Private Entities’ Incentives Act.
The bill is a consolidation of eight measures which seek 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.
HB 10985 is seen to provide more jobs for elderly Filipinos with the capacity and desire to work or be reemployed as it tasks the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), through the Public Employment Services Office, to provide employment information and matching services for senior citizens.
It also encourages public and private entities to provide them employment opportunities in exchange for more tax incentives, including an additional deduction from their gross income equivalent to 25 percent of the total amount they paid as salaries, wages and benefits to elderly workers they employed for at least six months.
“Nothing in this Act shall prevent government agencies and private entities from hiring qualified senior citizens for consultancy and other similar arrangements, or from initiating or providing greater benefits or improving the working conditions or terms of employment of senior citizens beyond the minimum requirements provided by applicable laws,” lawmakers said.
Multiagency coordination
Under the bill, the Dole will work with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and Civil Service Commission to “assess, design, implement, monitor and evaluate training programs that shall provide skills and welfare or livelihood support for senior citizens.”
HB 10985 also stops government agencies and offices from collecting fees and charges from elderly job seekers for copies of official documents required for employment.
