Solon seeks income tax exemption for elderly licensed professionals

MANILA, Philippines — Seeking to amend the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010, Bacolod City Rep. Anthony Rolando Golez Jr. is pushing for the exemption of senior citizens who are licensed professionals from paying income taxes.

Under the current law, senior citizens who are minimum wage earners are exempted from paying their individual income taxes.

“Senior citizens have worked so hard and paid their dues to society that now it is society’s turn to give back,” Golez said in filing House Bill 4577.

HB 4577 seeks to amend Republic Act 9994, which was signed by into law last year by then President now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The measure provides that senior citizens who are licensed professionals shall be exempted from all direct or indirect taxes, regardless of the amount of income.

“Senior citizens are usually known as people who have lived a full life and deserve to spend the rest of their years in relaxation and quiet contemplation,” Golez said.

However, he said the need for some senior citizens to keep earning a living remains.

Garcia also pointed out that a good number of doctors who advise elder people not to quit their work or change their routine abruptly as their bodies may not adjust well to idleness.

He said the government should give what is due to the elderly since they still have valuable contributions to the society.

“In recognition of the role played by the elderly in the development of our society, the State fully acknowledges them as an active part of our human resources and full protection of their welfare is a continuing concern of the government,” said Golez. –CHARISSA M. LUCI, Manila Bulletin