Bill giving staggered cash gift to elderlies sponsored in Senate

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. sponsored on Wednesday a bill seeking to amend Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Law to provide a staggered amount of cash gifts to elderlies.

Under Senate Bill 1319, senior citizens reaching the age of 80 would receive P10,000. They will receive another P10,000 when they reach the age of 90.

Those who will celebrate their 100th birthday will still get P100,000, as mandated by the current law.

In his sponsorship speech, Revilla said he originally proposed to give P 25,000 to octogenarians, another P 25,000 to nanogenarians, and P 50,000 to centenarians, but the Department of Budget and Management said during the hearings that this may not be feasible.

Department of Budget and Management assistant director Jane Abella earlier said they need to study further where the government will get the fund for the purpose as at least P19.8 billion is needed if the measure will be passed into law.

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

The senator said due to declining health conditions, centenarians who previously received P100,000 can no longer understand and appreciate the benefits of the cash gift.

He said if the Centenarian Law is amended, the cash gift will be given in time when the senior citizens are still able to enjoy it for themselves and use it for their food, medical care, and other needs.

“Ang panukalang ito ay ating isinusulong upang mas ma-enjoy ng ating elderlies ang magagandang benepisyo na binibigay sa kanila. Kinikilala natin ang makabuluhang layunin ng umiiral na batas at gusto lamang natin na mapakinabangan ng mas nakararami ang mga benepisyo mula dito,” Revilla said.

He said the measure is in line with the Constitution which recognizes the duty of the family to take care of its elderly members.

“This is how highly we value our culture of taking care of our elderly. This proposed measure, therefore, is another legislative effort in testimony of this unique Filipino culture,” he said.

Under Republic Act 10868, signed by President Benigno Aquino III in 2016, all Filipinos who reach the age of 100 will receive a letter of felicitation from the President of the Philippines and a P100,000 cash gift, whether they are residing in the Philippines or abroad.

They will also be awarded with a plaque of recognition and additional cash gift from their respective city or municipal governments during the National Respect for Centenarians Day, which is set on September 25 of every year. —LDF, GMA News