Celine Danielle Layon Miral

Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President

Ex-Officio Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Catarman, Northern Samar

Privilege Speech
(Regular Session, February 15, 2011)

I grew up in a family that has a high respect to elders. When I

was younger, my parents taught me to confer lofty regards not only
to my grandparents but also to all grandparents even if they are not
my relative. Now that I am maturing, I am becoming more conscious
of these beliefs especially that now I am into public service.

Now, I am beginning to grasp that respect and regard to them

should not only be limited to the care or attention we give them, but
also to make sure that they be given the rights and privileges that
the law accorded to them and which they rightfully deserve.

As we grow older, our bodies become more prone to different

kind of illnesses and diseases. As such, most of our senior citizens
today are ailing. Their need for medical support escalates. For this
reason, the government, in response to the growing needs of our
elders particularly the senior citizens, enacted Republic Act No.
9994 otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior Citizen Act of
2010”. The law grants additional benefits and privileges to senior
citizens. Section 4 paragraph (a) (1) of said law particularly
provides that:

The senior citizen shall be entitled to the following:

“(a) the grant of twenty percent (20%) discount and

exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable,
on the sale of the following goods and services from all
establishments, for the exclusive use and enjoyment or
availment of the senior citizens
 “(1) on the purchase of medicines, including
the purchase of influenza and pneumococcal
vaccines, and such other essential medical
supplies, accessories and equipment to be
determined by the Department of Health
(DOH).”

However, it is very unfortunate that despite of this law, there

are still some drugstores that deny said privilege to our senior
citizens. Further, it is more unfortunate that one of which is located
here in the municipality of Catarman. I know of a person who was a
victim of such ill fated and untoward incident, she was refused of
the said privilege by a drugstore here in our municipality. Such
infuriating and frustrating occurrence is it not? We all know that
most of our senior citizens are no longer income earners. Most of
them are living with their families, dependent upon them for
support. Hence, to deny them of the said privilege is to reduce their
right to a decent and healthful living.

In this regard, as the voice of our youth here in our

municipality of Catarman, I feel that it is my duty to inform this
august body of such improper, unseemly and illegal practice. I
appeal to all of you to call the attention of this drugstore that
refused to give the aforementioned 20% discount to a senior citizen.
Such an unlawful practice should be stopped and be dealt with
severely. It is damaging to the welfare of our senior citizens.

Thank you and good morning.