Salceda thanks congress for passing bill boosting senior employment; waives job-seeking fees for seniors

THE House of Representatives has approved House Bill No. 10985, a measure designed to promote job opportunities for senior citizens by offering significant tax incentives to companies that hire them and waiving government fees for job-seeking seniors.

House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda (Albay, 2nd district), who spearheaded the measure, expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support. Under the bill, the additional tax deduction for companies hiring senior citizens will increase from 10% to 25%, providing a stronger incentive for businesses to employ seniors.

“Senior citizens who wish to continue working benefit immensely from gainful employment. And the companies that hire them gain from their experience, wisdom, and years of expertise. They also have excellent work ethic,” Salceda said.

Salceda emphasized that the tax benefits are performance-based, ensuring companies only receive the incentive if they hire seniors.

The bill emerged from marathon hearings earlier this year with the House Committees on Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities. Salceda pointed out that the legislation addresses the pressing need for many senior citizens to continue working due to insufficient pension benefits.

“The unfortunate fact is that our Social Security System is inadequate for funding the needs of old age. That is why many seniors also wish to continue working,” Salceda noted. “While we need to address structural reforms in the pension system, those changes won’t benefit the current generation of pensioners. This bill provides immediate opportunities for seniors who wish to supplement their retirement income.”

Salceda also highlighted related efforts to support seniors, including lobbying for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to allow senior citizens to benefit from its TUPAD emergency employment program and pushing for more job retraining programs tailored to senior workers.

“This bill is part of a broader package of reforms to create opportunities for seniors, ensuring they can lead more financially secure and fulfilling lives,” Salceda added.