TriCom tackle proposed law for hiring senior citizens, PWDs

THE joint Committees on Senior Citizens, on Trade and Commerce, and on Labor and Employment, respectively chaired by Councilors Yevonna Yacine B. Emano, George S. Goking, and Jose Pepe S. Abbu, recently discussed the proposed ordinance integrating Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the workforce through capacity building and provide tax incentives to business entities employing them.

During the meeting, Councilor Emano, author of the proposed ordinance, said this will encourage senior citizens and PWDs who are willing to work and physically fit to be employed in any establishments.

According to Mr. Adrian Nagac, president of Cagayan de Oro Federation of Senior Citizen Association (CAFESCA), senior citizens should be hired with qualifications, passed health requirement and subject to certain rules and guidelines.

Mr. Douglas Dabatian, head of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), lauded the initiative, saying it will help seniors enhance their skills and give them the opportunity to earn extra income on top of their pension.

CITY COLLECTION CONCERN

Section 8 of the proposed law provides that incentives in the form of business tax discount shall be given to private business establishments that will hire seniors and PWDs. 

For her part, Assistant City Treasurer Divina Dablio told the committee that this may affect the city’s tax collection since the computation for local business tax is based on the gross sales.

“I commend this ordinance, but this should also be strongly supported with legal provisions that will support the impositions,” she stressed.

The proposed ordinance will be referred to the City Legal Office for its legal opinion.