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Senate bill seeks free movies for senior citizens nationwide

MANILA, Jan 15 (PNA) -- A bill has been filed in the Senate seeking to give free movie privileges to senior citizens across the Philippines.

Under Senate Bill No. 1265 or the Senior Citizens Free Movie Privilege Act, Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian wants all cinemas to allow citizens 60 years or older to get a free movie pass once per week.

Gatchalian said that cinema owners and operators will enter into an agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide this privilege.

His measure also stated that cinemas will be given the preference to make specific schedules as to the day and time when seniors may avail of the privilege.

They may also extend the privilege to additional days depending on their respective corporate social responsibility programs.

The neophyte senator meanwhile pointed out that several cities and municipalities across the country have already implemented a similar policy.

He described this measure as “a simple token in recognition” of the importance of senior citizens in the society.

"In gratitude for everything our senior citizens have done for their families and for our country, they deserve this additional source of joy and leisure during the tranquil autumn of their lives," Gatchalian said. (PNA)