Korean gets OSCA card in Cordova

CEBU, Philippines — An elderly Korean national was issued a senior citizen’s identification card by the municipal government of Cordova and had been reportedly availing himself of the benefits that only Filipinos are allowed under the law.

The Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) issued on November 22, 2018 the ID card to Jong Eun Park, 66, resident of Barangay Gabi, Cordova.

The ID card was discovered when the bearer availed himself of the benefits for the elderly as provided for under the Philippine Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

Under the law, the senior citizens shall be entitled the grant of 20 percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable, on the sale of the goods and services from all establishments, for their exclusive use and enjoyment or availment.

Article 5 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. No. 9994 defines senior citizen or elderly which refers to any Filipino citizen who is a resident of the Philippines, and who is 60 years old or above. It may apply to senior citizens with "dual citizenship" status provided they prove their Filipino citizenship and have at least 6 months residency in the Philippines.

Atty. Jessica Banzon-Natad, public information officer of Cordova, said she is not sure if Park has dual citizenship.

“Nag-istorya mi sa OSCA. Nag-rely daw sila sa House Bill and Senate Bill extending the ID issuance to resident foreigners maong ni-issue sila sa mga Koreans with SRRV,” Natad told The Freeman.

The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) is a special non-immigrant visa for foreign nationals who would like to make the Philippines their second home or investment destination.

Natad was referring to the House Bill No. 7590 in the previous Congress which sought to grant foreign nationals residing in the Philippines, who are at least 60 years of age, the same privileges given to senior citizens under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.

Natad is also the legal counsel of the Cebu Korean Association Inc. or the Cebu Hanin Hue Inc. whose president is Bong Hwan Cho, also known as Charlie Cho.

Cho is the husband of incumbent Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho. (FREEMAN)