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They may get discounts on tickets, but they can’t use their free movie privilege to watch the entries in the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
“Atty. Romeo Macalintal, who’s been tagged as a senior citizens rights advocate, on Monday, December 29, reminded his fellow seniors that they can’t avail of free movies in cinemas during holidays and local film festivals like the MMFF,” reports GMA News Online.
The report noted: “Macalintal issued the statement after receiving reports that several senior citizens have been complaining against a big mall in Quezon City for refusing them to avail of free movies included in the MMFF.”
Macalintal explained that “under the memorandum of agreement (MOA) that the National Cinema Association of the Philippines Inc. (NCAP) and the local government of Quezon City entered into in July 2006, aside from official holidays, free movies cannot also be availed by senior citizens during local films festivals such as the MMFF as well as during advance screenings of any foreign or local movies.”
Macalintal pointed out that “the free movies for senior citizens will be in effect again on January 8, 2015 as the MMFF only runs until January 7.”
However, Macalintal reminded mall management that “the discounts that should be accorded to senior citizens under the Republic Act 9994 or Expanded Senior Citizens Actof 2010 still applies during the holidays and festivals.”
“Yung discounts in movies, sa restaurants, medicines and other services, constant ‘yan even during holidays,” he said.
“So kung meron pong mga establishment na hindi sumusunod ay ipagbigay alam niyo po sa kinauukulan, o sa akin pong opisina upang masampahan natin ng karampatang kaso,” Macalintal added.
Macalintal said violation of RA 9994 is a criminal act that may lead to the imprisonment of business owner for up to two years and cancellation of business permit of the erring establishments.
“Itong batas para sa senior citizens napakalakas niyan kung naipatutupad ng maayos,” Macalintal said.
Photo: MorgueFile
