A BILL that calls for the creation of a “Sangguniang Senior Citizens” is being pushed at the Lower House.
House Bill 10682 states that it is time to create a Sangguniang Senior Citizens to help push for more attention on the plight of the elderly, expand their participation in “nation-building,” and implement guidelines, programs and projects for them.
According to the proposed measure, there are now about 12 million senior citizens in the Philippines, but they continue to be one of the “most underrepresented demographics” in government, especially in the area of local governance.
Once fully enacted into law, a “Katipunan ng Senior Citizens” shall be formed in every barangay, where members are Filipino citizens and should be residents of the barangay for not less than six months and should be 60 years old and above.
Among the powers of the Katipunan ng Senior Citizens is to elect officers of the Sangguniang Senior Citizens, that will be the highest policy-making body that will decide on issues related to the elderly, and will be the one to implement programs for the sector.
The Sangguniang Senior Citizens will be headed by a chairperson, and the members will have a “fixed term” of three year, except when removed from his/her post. Elections of officers will be held simultaneously with the Barangay Elections, which is held every three years.
Also proposed to be formed is the “Pambayan o Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Senior Citizens” in every municipality or city, which will be composed of a chairperson of Sangguniang Senior Citizens; and “Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Senior Citizens” where the members are the convenors of the first two mentioned federations.