Lawmaker seeks RFID discount for seniors

Members of the graying population would have another reason to be honest about their age, especially at the toll gate, to avail themselves of a discount.

Expressway and Skyway operators are to slash 20 percent of their toll payable through RFID for senior citizens if Rep. Marvin Rillo will have his way.

Rillo's House Bill 5277 says 60-above individuals will get the benefit after registering their vehicle under their name and submitting a copy of their senior citizens ID card to the expressway or Skyway operator when applying for RFID.

"Our measure seeks to give more meaning to the mandate of the 1987 Constitution for the State to prioritize the rights and welfare of the elderly," the congressman said.

The measure, once enacted, would upgrade the Expanded Senior Citizens Law that allows Filipinos 60 and up varied perks that already include 20 percent discounts and value-added tax exemption on airline and ship passenger tickets, railway amd public utility vehicle fares, as well as an exemption from airport and seaport passenger terminal fees.