Dear PAO,
Next year, I will be turning sixty years old, thus, I decided to retire from my work and return to live in the Philippines. I want to know whether senior citizens in the Philippines are entitled to a discount for their utility bills, and if there is a discount, whether this discount is automatic. Also, am I still qualified to avail of such a discount even though I have dual citizenship?
Cristine
Dear Cristine,
Please be informed of Article 12, Section 1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9994, otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” which states that:
“Section 1. Five (5%) Discount – The grant of a minimum of five percent (5%) discount relative to the monthly utilization of water and electricity by households with senior citizens; Provided, That the individual meters for the foregoing utilities are registered in the name of the senior citizen residing therein: provided, further, that the monthly consumption does not exceed one hundred kilowatt hours (100 kWh) of electricity and thirty cubic meters (30m’) of water: Provided, furthermore, that the privilege is granted per household regardless of the number of senior citizens residing therein.
“To avail of the discount under this Section, the senior citizen shall:
“1. Apply for the discount personally or thru a representative. There shall be annual renewal of application to the utility provider.
“2. Submit requirements:
“a. Proof of age and citizenship
“b. Proof of billing. Meter registration should be in the name of the senior citizen for a period of one year
“c. Proof of residence.”
Accordingly, senior citizens living in a household with their utility bills (water and electricity) under their names get a guaranteed minimum 5% discount in their bills, if their monthly electricity usage is less than 100 kWh, and their monthly water usage is less than 30 cubic meters. This discount is for the whole household, regardless of how many senior citizens live there.
Further, the said discount is not automatically given to senior citizens, as they are required to submit an application and meet the above-mentioned requirements to avail of the said discount.
As for your question about whether you are entitled to the senior citizen discount despite having a dual citizenship, Article 5.1 of the (IRR) of RA 9994 states:
“5.1 SENIOR CITIZEN OR ELDERLY – refers to any Filipino citizen who is a resident of the Philippines, and who is sixty (60) years old or above. It may apply to senior citizens with ‘dual citizenship’ status provided they prove their Filipino citizenship and have at least six (6) months residency in the Philippines.”
In other words, you may avail of the senior citizen discounts as long as you are able to prove your Filipino citizenship and the fact that you have been residing in the Philippines for at least six months.
We hope that we were able to answer your queries. Please be reminded that this advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated on.
Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net
