Drilon proposes Magna Carta for senior citizens

Senator Franklin M. Drilon is pushing for a landmark proposal that spells out the rights and privileges of senior citizens, or persons aged 60 years and above, including access to employment, education, health, and other social services.

Drilon said there are nearly four million senior citizens in the country, most of whom have inadequate basic social services and face barriers and discrimination in employment, education and health services.

"While bold initiatives had been taken, such as the grant of 20 percent discount on the purchase of medicines by older persons, we still have to plan ahead and come up with an integrated and a more comprehensive long-term national approach," said Drilon, the lead senatorial candidate of the administration People Power Coalition.

Called the Magna Carta for Older Persons, Drilon’s proposal will ensure the protection of the rights of older persons and provide them adequate health, rehabilitative and socio-economic services.