Bills that would require private and government companies to allot slots for qualified senior citizens and PWDs in the workforce who still want to work are being pushed in the Senate.

The House Bill (HB) 8971

The bill, also known as House Bill (HB) 8971, was filed by REP. Erwin Tulfo of ACT-CIS party together with representatives Jocelyn Tulfo and Edvic Yap of ACT-CIS, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and Quezon City Second District Rep. Ralph Tulfo on August 24, Thursday. This bill was intended to amend the Republic Act No. 9994 or “An Act Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Senior Citizens.

The Legislative Purpose

"The fundamental purpose of this bill is to introduce measures that promote the employment and engagement of senior citizens within the private sector, enhancing their quality of life while recognizing their invaluable contributions to society," the bill reads.

"The proposed legislation seeks to bridge the gap between skilled and experienced senior citizens and the demands of private companies,” it added.

According to the lawmakers, the elderly are frequently subjected to challenges in employability due to biases and misconceptions in terms of their capabilities and productivity.

That is why "this bill addresses this issue by fostering an inclusive workforce environment that values the contributions of senior citizens,” the authors explained.

The House Bill (HB) 8971's Mandates

If the bill passes all the chambers reading, it will oblige government agencies, offices, or corporations to reserve at least one percent of all the positions for qualified seniors.

Meanwhile, private corporations with more than 100 employees must give at least one percent of their positions to senior citizens.

Moreover, private corporations with below 100 employees shall also designate positions for seniors.

The House Bill (HB) 8941

Earlier on August 22, the same authors also filed a bill that would amend RA 7177 or the Magna Carta for PWDs or An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation, Self-Development, and Self-reliance of Disabled Persons and their Integration into the Mainstream of Society and for Other Purposes.

The Bill's Legislative Purpose

"Despite a number of legislations providing employment, education, health and accessibility support, among others, the PWDs, they are still at a disadvantage in several facets of the society,” the bill stated.

The House Bill (HB) 8941's Mandates

Similar to the bill for seniors, this bill will allow at least one percent of all the positions in government agencies, offices, or corporations for qualified PWDs; private corporations with over 100 employees must assign at least one percent of all positions for qualified PWDs; and private corporations with less than 100 employees shall also reserve position (s) for qualified PWDs.

The Bills' Driving Force

"Before I assumed the post as a representative of ACT-CIS party list, I kept on saying to push a law to provide enough jobs for the PWDs and the elders,” Tulfo emphasized.

The Bills Award Compliant Companies

If implemented into law, both bills for PWDs and senior citizens will grant tax incentives to all private corporations that will obey the said practice of employment hiring.

Source/s: ManilaStandard.Net, The Manila Times