Section 4 (c) of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 specifically states:
“The grant of a minimum of five percent (5 percent) discount relative to the monthly utilization of water and electricity supplied by the public utilities: Provided, That the individual meters for the foregoing utilities are registered in the name of the senior citizen residing therein: Provided, further, That the monthly consumption does not exceed one hundred kilowatt hours (100 kWh) of electricity and thirty cubic meters (30 m3) of water: Provided, furthermore, That the privilege is granted per household regardless of the number of senior citizens residing therein.”
Based on the above-mentioned provision of law, the grant of five percent (5 percent) discount to the monthly utilization of water is per household and is not based on the number of senior citizens residing in one household. It is also a requirement that the water account (water bill) be registered in the name of the senior citizen applying for discount and that the monthly water consumption should not exceed thirty cubic meters (30 m3), so that the discount will be granted.
Hence, the demand of your father to be granted the ten percent (10 percent) discount based on the number of senior citizens residing in the household has no legal basis. The water district office is actually correct in merely granting the five percent (5 percent) discount as clearly stated in the law.
Again, we find it necessary to mention that this opinion is solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. The opinion may vary when the facts are changed or elaborated.
