Zubiri wants cash incentives for octogenarians, nonagenarians

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri wants cash incentives, ranging from P30,000 to P50,000, to be given to octogenarians and nonagenarians.

In a statement on Saturday, Zubiri said he had filed Senate Bill No. 1212 which provides P30,000 for octogenarians and another P30,000 for nonagenarians.

The measure also aims to give P50,000 for centenarians or senior citizens who are 100 years old and above.

The senator said his bill will “further motivate senior citizens” as it expands the coverage of Republic Act No. 10868 by giving them additional monetary benefits.

“The money could be used to buy medicines and other needs that would ease the financial burden largely shouldered by their families,” Zubiri said.

Meanwhile, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. also filed a similar measure that seeks to grant P25,000 to octogenarians, additional P25,000 for nonagenarians and P50,000 for centenarians.

Revilla said the additional cash benefits would allow elders to have funds for their health needs.

“Most of our senior citizens find it difficult to buy basic necessities and even forego expensive medications and procedures,” Revilla said in the same statement.

“Through this bill, it is hoped that our elderly would be able to enjoy such entitlements and assist them to further prolong their lives beyond a century,” he added.