Election Lawyer now Senatoriable bet Romulo Macapintal on Wednesday vowed to promote the rights and privileges of senior citizens in the country once given a seat in the May 2019 polls.
First time to enter into politics, Macalintal is running as an independent candidate. He is known to many as a fighter for senior citizens’ rights and privileges.
Macalintal, during a press conference at the Bale Balita here, said once given a seat in the Senate, he will focus on a legislative bill for the welfare of elders, expanding the limit of the senior citizens card in order to avail their rights and privileges.
He said establishments should give the elders discounts even in the absence of their senior citizen booklet, provided that a government-issued identification card is presented.
“Hindi ko ginagawa ito dahil tumatakbo ako, even before I am already fighting for the rights of the elders,” the lawyer said.
Macalintal, 71, before running into politics, filed cases against several establishments for refusing to give 20 percent discount to elders without their booklet.
The senior citizens, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), he furthered, should be entitled to a 20 percent discount even in mall promos.
Another legislative agenda he will promote for the seniors is higher discounts for medical services and drugs.
Senior citizens aged 70 and above should be given 30 percent discount, while those 80 years old should be given 40 percent, and 50 percent for those 90 years of age.
Elders who will reach 100 years of age should avail a benefit of P100,000 yearly financial assistance.
Free cinema viewing is also being eyed to be availed by the elders wherever they go nationwide.
Macalintal said his priority legislation is to amend certain provisions for the senior citizens, while he will also be eyeing to introduce new bills.