MANILA, Philippines – A House bill which will protect senior citizens from abuse was passed on the second reading on Wednesday. House Bill 7030 or the “Anti-Elder Abuse Act” advanced after some amendments were introduced, specifically in defining terms and the abuses committed against the elderly. ADVERTISEMENTIf the bill is signed into law, abuses against senior citizens that range from physical, psychological, economic, sexual, and neglect and abandonment may be penalized by jail time and fines in accordance with the Revised Penal Code. According to Section 6 (Mandatory Programs and Services for a Senior Citizen) of the proposed measure, DSWD and the Department of Health (DOH) should give senior citizens who are victims of abuse a temporary shelter, counseling, rehabilitation services and livelihood assistance, among others. The Philippine National Police is also directed to craft a protocol, to establish guidelines and procedures when handling complaints from senior citizens.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 30, 2019 10:59 UTC