Sen. Gatchalian Proposes Free Movie Privileges for Senior Citizens

Senator Win Gatchalian has filed a bill granting free movie privileges to senior citizens in movie houses across the entire Philippines.

Senate Bill No. 1265, known as the Senior Citizens Free Movie Privilege Act, mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development to enter into Memoranda of Agreement with all movie house owners and operators to allow resident Philippine citizens who are sixty years or older to avail of a free movie pass once per week.

"This gesture is a simple token in recognition of the importance of senior citizens in our society," said Gatchalian.

Movie houses will be given the preference to make specific schedules as to the day and time when seniors may avail of the privilege, and they may also extend the privilege to additional days depending on their respective corporate social responsibility programs.

Gatchalian pointed out that several cities and municipalities across the Philippines have already implemented a similar policy, thus underlining the viability of a similar program nationwide.

"In gratitude for everything our senior citizens have done for their families and for our country, they deserve this additional source of joy and leisure during the tranquil autumn of their lives," said Gatchalian.