17 August

The Coalition Services for the Elderly (COSE) in the Philippines held a training and discussion session with 60 leaders of older people's associations in Manila.

At the meeting they discussed a bill that is currently being debated in both houses of parliament. The bill could exempt older people from paying VAT.

If passed, the bill could also pave the way for the introduction of a universal social pension – one of COSE's primary objectives for Age Demands Action 2008.

Attendees also discussed their timetable and plans for their meeting with representatives of the senate on 1 October.