ROXAS CITY (PIA) -- The Metro Roxas Water District (MRWD) is set to implement a discount on water bills for senior citizens here.

According to MRWD Commercial Division Manager Lilibeth Arluz, who is also the Information Officer of said office, the Board of Directors of the local water district will tackle the implementing guidelines that are spelled out in Republic Act 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

Arluz said that after the approval by the Board, they will immediately implement a five percent discount on the water bills of senior citizens.

Under said law, senior citizens may enjoy a five-percent discount on their water and electric bills, on condition that the utilities are in the name of senior citizen and that the consumption is below 100 kilowatt-hours of electricity and 30 cubic meters water a month.

Earlier, the Capiz Electric Cooperative has also vowed to implement the discount on electric bill of senior citizens upon its receipt of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

It is estimated that some 4.6 million senior citizens will be exempted from the payment of the 12 percent  expanded value-added tax (EVAT) on basic purchases and other essential goods and services.

The EVAT exemption for senior citizens, or those who are 60 years old and above, applies to purchases of medicines and essential medical supplies; accessories and equipment; fees of attending physicians; medical, dental fees and diagnostic and laboratory fees; and fare paid for bus, jeepney, taxi, AUV, shuttle service, public railways, domestic air and sea transport craft transport.