Bill to grant elderly resident aliens same perks Pinoy senior citizens enjoy

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MANILA — The Philippines will soon become “more of a fun place to live” for elderly Americans, Japanese, British and other foreign nationals who have taken up permanent residence in the country.

Two lawmakers are seeking to extend to elderly resident aliens the same privileges granted to senior citizens under the Expanded Senior Citizens Law.

Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City) said this is a sector of elderly members in the society that has been overlooked even if their contributions have been just as relevant and considerable.

“These are foreign nationals who have relocated to the Philippines and chosen the country as their own second home,” Rodriguez said.

The Mindanao solon said some of them have come for commercial purposes, established their own businesses, or have settled as retirees or immigrants in the country for personal or family reasons.

“During their stay, they have brought in considerable investments, patronized local businesses, contributed to the local economy, and in some cases have taken a role in nation building,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez and his brother, Rep. Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr. (Party-list, Abante Mindanao) filed House Bill 4191, which seeks to grant resident aliens residing in the Philippines who are at least 60 years of age the same privileges granted to senior citizens under Republic Act (RA) 7432, as amended by RA 9994.

To avail of these privileges, the measure provides that the elderly resident alien, or his/her duly authorized representative, may submit as proof of entitlement an identification card issued by the office of the senior citizen affairs (OSCA) of the place where he/she resides or a Philippine retirement authority identification card

He/she may also submit an alien certificate of registration I-Card and other documents that establish that the elderly resident alien is at least 60 years of age and a resident of the Philippines as further provided in the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Law.

The bill further states that the tax deduction allowed to establishments under Section 4 of the Expanded Senior Citizen Act and the conditions thereto shall also apply when discounts under subsections 4(A) and 4(C) are granted to elderly resident aliens.

Rodriguez said these foreign nationals who have taken up permanent residence in the country and have integrated into Philippine society are as much a part of the public as well as the country’s own citizens.

“They deserve consideration for their contributions and similar treatment in their older years,” Rodriguez said.