It has been proposed in the House of Representatives that the senior citizens’ privilege of a 20 percent discount should also apply on fines issued for breaking traffic rules.

Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan S. Fernandez  filed House Bill (HB) 5402, which would give elderly citizens a 20 percent discount on any traffic fines for which they will be found liable. It seeks to amend Republic Act No. 7432 or the Senior Citizens Act.

The bill was introduced on October 4 by Fernandez, the head of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, to coincide with the Elderly Filipino Week, which is from October 1 to 7 this year.

“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,” he wrote in the explanatory note of the legislative proposal.

According to Fernandez, many elderly people continue to drive despite their advanced age for a variety of essential reasons.

Older Filipinos are still frequently seen operating jeepneys and taxicabs. Many elders often take their grandchildren to school, to work, or just to serve as the family’s designated driver, he noted.

“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,” the lawmaker said.

According to Fernandez, the government must lower the fines that can be imposed on Filipino drivers who are 60 years old or older in certain situations. He added that elderly who depend only on driving for a living are especially in need of the discount.

“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,” Fernandez added.

HB 5402 includes all fines for traffic infractions imposed by both national government agencies and local governments.

As soon as the legislative proposal is passed into law, the bill instructs the head of the Land Transportation Office and the chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority to draft the implementing rules and regulations.

Photo Credit: Philippine News Agency Official Website