Cebu City mulls over tax incentives for corporations that employ elderly individuals.
In a forward-thinking move, Councilor Sisinio Andales has authored a proposed ordinance titled "An Ordinance Promoting Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens in Cebu City Through Incentives for Private Business Participation." The measure aims to recognise and harness the continued capacity of senior citizens to contribute productively to society.
The proposed ordinance is part of the City of Cebu City's commitment to promoting the rights, welfare, and dignity of its elderly population. It includes benefits under Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
To encourage businesses to hire senior citizens, the ordinance offers a two percent deduction from their annual business tax for compliant firms. However, firms engaged in strenuous work such as heavy construction and massage services may be exempted from the hiring target if they can prove valid operational constraints.
To be eligible for tax incentives, companies must ensure that senior citizens make up at least 10 percent of their total workforce. The Office for Senior Citizens' Affairs (OSCA), along with the Department of Manpower Development and Placement and the Department of Labor and Employment, will maintain a registry of qualified job seekers, provide skills-matching and retooling programs, and coordinate placements between senior citizens and private companies.
Participation in the program is voluntary for businesses, with adjustments based on the nature of the business. Senior citizen applicants must be residents of Cebu City and be certified as medically and mentally fit by licensed professionals.
The proposal applies to business establishments in Cebu City with at least 10 employees. The OSCA will be required to submit annual reports to the City Council on compliance, participation rates, and success stories.
The proposed ordinance is currently under consideration by the Cebu City Council. The measure emphasises creating employment opportunities for senior citizens through meaningful collaboration with the private sector.
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