Legarda lauds implementation of discount on more goods for seniors, as she bats for representation of the elderly in LGUs

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA TODAY LAUDED THE DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE AND TRADE AND INDUSTRY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE FIVE PERCENT DISCOUNT ON AT LEAST TWENTY MORE BASIC COMMODITIES PURCHASED BY SENIOR CITIZENS.
Legarda, principal author of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, said that she is pleased with this development in the implementation of the law because it gives senior citizens discounts on a wider range of basic commodities—which now include fresh fruits, flour, certain dairy products, geriatric diapers, herbicides, and certain construction materials, among others.
“Our senior citizens deserve to enjoy a full and happy life. Thus, we want to provide them with special discounts and privileges on their purchases to the furthest extent that could possibly be allowed,” she said.
Meanwhile, as Legarda commended the implementation of additional benefits for the elderly, she stressed the need for senior citizens to be represented in local legislation and special bodies in all local government units (LGUs).
The Senator said her proposed measure, Senate Bill 1418, seeks to provide representation of the elderly in every Sanggunian and local special bodies in all LGUs.
“It is not enough that we make laws and policies for the elderly. What we must do is to allow them active participation in nation building, particularly in policy-making and local legislation, so that they themselves can push for the institutionalization of programs that would address their special needs and concerns,” Legarda said.
Under the bill, all Sangguniang Barangay, Sangguniang Bayan, Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Panlalawigan shall reserve a seat for a senior citizens’ representative who shall enjoy all the privileges and emoluments enjoyed by regular members of the Sanggunian.
In electing a representative, the senior citizens shall organize themselves and elect from among them a chairperson who will represent them in the Sanggunians.
“We recognize the rights of senior citizens, which is why we want not only to provide them with their special needs, but also to support and encourage their full participation in society,” Legarda stressed.