A bill has been filed in the House of Representatives extending the 20 percent discount privilege granted to senior citizens on fines imposed on them for violating traffic rules and regulations.
House Bill 5402, authored by Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez seeks to amend Republic Act 7432 or the Senior Citizens Act to grant the 20-percent discount to senior citizen drivers on traffic fines for which they will be found liable.
Fernandez, chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, filed the bill Tuesday in time for the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week from October 1 to 7, 2022.
“In furtherance of the laudable Filipino consciousness that our elderlies still have much to contribute to nation-building, this bill further accords our senior citizen-drivers the privilege of enjoying a discount of 20 percent on traffic fines that may be imposed upon them,” said Fernandez in the bill’s explanatory note.
Despite their “advance age,” Fernandez said many senior citizens still operate automobiles for a number of vital reasons.
“Elderly Filipinos driving jeepneys and cabs are still common sights on the road. Many seniors also drive their apos to school, in reporting for work or simply as the designated driver of the family,” Fernandez said.
“However, an elderly citizen’s driving reflexes, instincts and skills are no longer the same as what they used to be during his or her youth. Bumagal at hindi na sila as sharp as before kaya minsan ay nagkakamali na sila sa pagmamaneho,” he added.
Fernandez said under such circumstances, there is a need for government to reduce imposable fines on Filipino motorists who have reached 60 and above.
He noted that the discount is especially necessary for seniors who rely on driving as the only source of livelihood.
“Given the usual small amount of such charges (fines), it may be argued that whatever revenue loss to the government that might arise from the proposed discount, this would be far outweighed by the benefit of promoting the welfare and morale of our senior citizens,” he pointed out.
HB 5402 covers all fines on traffic violations imposed by both national government agencies and local government units.
The bill directs the chief of the Land Transportation Office and the chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority to draw the implementing rules and regulations as soon as the legislative proposal is enacted into law.