Photo credit: Senior Citizens Partylist

Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes is pushing for income tax relief for millions of Filipino seniors who continue to work.

Ordanes recently filed House Bill No. 2563, the “Income Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens Act,” which would exempt Filipinos aged 60 and above earning P800,000 or less per year from paying income tax.

The bill covers seniors working full-time, part-time, on contract, or as consultants. It also extends the exemption to extra earnings like holiday pay, overtime, night shift differential, and hazard pay.

“Many senior citizens continue working not because they want to, but because they have to—either to support their families, pay for medicines, or keep up with the rising cost of living. After decades of service to our nation, they deserve relief—not additional financial burdens from income tax deductions,” Ordanes said.

The lawmaker emphasized that elderly workers should not be penalized for staying productive. “If we give tax incentives to corporations and foreign investors, we must also extend these benefits to senior citizens who continue to work with dignity in their later years,” he added.

Currently, seniors enjoy discounts and VAT exemptions under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, but there are no income tax incentives for those still employed.

Ordanes urged his colleagues in Congress to pass the bill quickly, noting that the number of elderly workers is steadily growing. “Providing senior citizens with tax exemption is a simple yet meaningful way to honor their contribution to our society,” he concluded.