Cebu Solon Eyes Free Movie Access for Seniors

Cebu City moviehouse owners have agreed to give senior citizens free movie access under a proposed ordinance.

The proposed ordinance authored by Cebu City Councilor Richard Osmeña seeks free movie access to all senior citizens in the city on Mondays and Tuesdays, except during the first day of showing, holidays and weekends.

The free access is proposed to be offered on the first screening hour and that each elderly will have free movie access only once per movie in every theater.

Macky Rosero of SM Cinemas said the proposed ordinance is good for the elderly.

But Rosero said the free movie access should be done on the first screening of regular movies on Mondays and Tuesdays.

She also asked to add a provision stating that senior citizens can watch super blockbuster movies only on the second week of its showing.

She said special cinemas such as Imax Theaters, Directors Club and 4D Theaters must be exempted from the ordinance, because it will be costly.

The ticket prices of SM’s regular cinemas range from PHP180 to PHP200; Imax tickets range from PHP250 to PHP400; Director’s Club tickets cost PHP350; while 4D tickets cost PHP400.

Rosero asked the council if they can include a provision on a subsidy on some of the fees they pay to the city, such as the amelioration tax of PHP10 per patron. (PNA) CTB/EB/SSC