Villar wants more benefits for senior citizens

Senior citizens have found an ally in former Speaker Manny Villar.

The People Power Coalition Senatorial candidate vowed to push measures that will give added benefits and privileges to senior citizens all over the country.

"We must pay attention and not neglect the needs of our elderly," said Villar. "It is only right that we do everything to make their lives comfortable," he added.

During Villar’s term as Speaker, the House of Representatives approved a bill that gives additional discounts to senior citizens in various establishments around the country on top of those already provided for by law. These include discounts in drugstores, and restaurants among others.

"We must continue to address the needs of our elderly," he stressed.

He points out that it is a cherished Filipino value to give respect and pay reverence to our elders. As such, needed legislation to make the twilight of their years more comfortable must be pursued.

"Positive Filipino values such as respect for the elderly should be reflected even in our country’s laws," he said.

The passed measure giving added benefits to the elderly also provides incentives for industries that will hire senior citizens still capable of working.

Under Villar’s term as Speaker, the House passed several bills giving incentives to the country’s neglected sectors as part of its over-all effort to address the needs of various sectors of society.

The Las Pinas solon is running for senator on a platform of providing decent housing and ample employment opportunities for Filipinos.