Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante (6th District-Lakas Kampi Party) Tuesday expressed happiness that the country’s senior citizens would soon enjoy the 20percent discount from the sales of medicines, goods and services, once the proposed consolidated measure, which has already been approved in the bicameral conference committee, would be signed into law.

“Makikinabang na ang ating mga elderly ng buong 20 porsyentong diskuwento na itinatakda ng umiiral na batas dahil exempted na ito sa e-VAT na nakapaloob sa aming panukala,” The reelectionist lawmaker said, citing that the elderly, under the present law, is only enjoying an 8 percent discount.

Abante, principal author of House Bill 3835 or the Magna Carta of Senior Citizens which was incorporated in House Bill 6390 or the Comprehensive Senior Citizens Act, explained that his proposal provides benefits and privileges for long-term care for senior citizens.

It also recognizes the rights of senior citizens to take their proper place in society and make it a concern of the family, community and government, he said.

Another feature of House Bill 6390, the Manila solon said, is the grant of a lump sum death benefit assistance to the nearest surviving relative of a deceased senior citizen and a five percent discount on the electric bill of senior citizens per one hundred kilowatt.

Saying that the bill is his best gift to senior citizens and his constituents, the reelectionist lawmaker expressed belief that the measure will be signed into law before the end of the 14th Congress.