Photo by Ann
Your grandparents have probably been using their senior citizen status to avail discounts from public utility vehicles, business establishments, or recreation centers for a long time now, but did you know that aside from those usual perks, there are other discounts that senior citizens can take advantage of?
Yes. Due to amendments to Republic Act 9994, discounts available to senior citizens with Filipino citizenship have been expanded to include water and electricity bill discounts.
Description and conditions go as follow:
A minimum of five percent (5%) discount relative to the monthly utilization of water and electricity by households with senior citizens shall be granted provided that:
- the individual meters for the foregoing utilities are registered in the name of the senior citizen residing therein;
- the monthly consumption does not exceed one hundred kilowatt hours (100 kWh) of electricity and thirty cubic meters (30 m’) of water; and
- the privilege is granted per household regardless of the number of senior citizens residing therein.
To avail of the discount, the senior citizen shall:
- apply for the discount personally or thru a representative. There shall be annual renewal of application to the utility provider.
- submit the following 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
Not bad, right?
If you know any senior citizens who are not aware of this yet, make sure you share the news so they can make full use of their benefits. Alternatively, you can also direct them to this article on the official gazette of the Philippines that details all of the existing benefits and privileges for senior citizens.
Philippine Peso