Age doesn’t matter, says JVR: Talisay mayor tells employers, businesses to avoid discrimination in hiring workers

CEBU, Philippines - When it comes to hiring workers among business establishments in Talisay City, "age shouldn't matter."

This was according to Mayor Johnny De los Reyes who is asking the City Council to legislate local measure that will require all employers and businesses operating in the city to prohibit discrimination of age limit in hiring employees.

In his draft ordinance submitted to Association of Barangay Councils president Raul Cabañero, the mayor pointed out that business establishments operating in the city should be required to have at least 40 percent Talisaynon workers in their staff.

The measure, which he proposed, is part of De los Reyes Adopt Talisaynon program.

"It has been the unregulated practice of employers to put an age limit to the employees they hire. Many capable, competent and fit residents of the city are unemployed due to the age limitations set by employers," De los Reyes said.

De los Reyes stressed there is a need to rectify the practice as it affects the ready, able and willing workforce of the city.

The compliance of the proposal, De los Reyes said, is a pre-requisite for obtaining the necessary business permits from the city by the employers and businesses operating in the city.

Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, the council's presiding officer, said the proposal of the mayor is laudable but the legality of the measure should also be looked into.

"Ato unang tan-awon if legal ba siya. Anyway, the proposal of the mayor will be referred to the committee on laws and ordinances for review and study," Villarante said.

In some business establishments like malls and restaurants, attendants beyond 25 years of age are rarely kept.

There is said to have prevalent discrimination against older workers on employer age limits not just during hiring but also in promoting or terminating workers.

In government service, the mandatory retirement age for government employees is 55 or 10 years old, earlier than 65 years old that the present law has pegged. (FREEMAN)