Revilla wants 80, 90-year-olds to benefit from Centenarians law too

A bill seeking to extend privileges to Filipino citizens reaching the age of 80 and 90, by amending the Centenarians Act of 2016, has been filed in the Senate.

In filing Senate Bill 295, Senator Ramon "Bong’ Revilla Jr." said he wanted the elderly to enjoy entitlements earlier than the age requirement of 100 under the current law.

Republic Act 10868 provides a cash gift amounting to P100,000 to Filipino centenarians or those who reach the age of 100. However, statistics showed that many elderly do not reach that age.

“With the rising cost of living and healthcare expenses, most of our senior citizens find it very difficult to afford basic necessities and have to forego expensive medications and procedures,” Revilla said.

Under the bill, an elderly reaching the age of 80 will be given P25,000 cash gift. Another P25,000 cash gift will be given when they reach the age of 90.

The balance of P50,000 will be given once they reach the age of 100.

During the hearing Wednesday, Department of Budget and Management assistant director Jane Abella said they need to study further where the government will get the fund for the purpose.

At least P19.8 billion is needed if the measure will be passed into law, according to the DBM official.

“Titingnan ho natin kung ano ang funding requirement  ho niya. Again. titignan  ho natin kung kakayanin ng ating budget,” she said. — MDM, GMA News