Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez —Photo from House of Representatives FB page
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has assured the country’s senior population that funding the expanded Centenarian Law is a must, as it will ensure that the elderly citizens are well taken care of.
In a statement on Thursday—as the country observes the Elderly Filipino Week—Romualdez said that they will align the country’s expenditures with the needs of senior citizens, in line with Republic Act No. 11982, which amended the existing Centenarian Law.
READ: Bongbong Marcos signs expanded Centenarian Law
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last February 26 signed the law, which allows the provision of a P10,000 cash grant to Filipinos who reach the age of 80, 85, 90, and 95. Those who reach 100 years old are still given P100,000.
“I welcome the recent approval of amendments to the Centenarian’s Act under Republic Act No. 11982. This is a significant step in ensuring that our elders, who have dedicated their lives to their families and communities, receive the recognition and care they truly deserve,” he said.
READ: Elderly covered by Centenarian Act told: Register now, get paid in 2025
“During this celebration of Elderly Week, let’s take the opportunity to align the legislature and executives’ objectives in getting the funding needed to roll out the additional benefits for our beloved seniors,” he added.
According to Romualdez, House committee on senior citizens chairperson and Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes recently proposed meeting the law’s funding requirement.
The first payout for the additional beneficiaries under the expanded Centenarian Act will be in 2025.
“I agree that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should consider sourcing the necessary funds either from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) savings or from the Unprogrammed Funds of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA),” Romualdez said.
“Given the relatively modest amount required and the urgency of delivering this benefit, tapping into these existing resources is both practical and feasible,” he added. “Furthermore, I endorse the call to clarify the implementation of this law, particularly for those senior citizens whose birthdays fall between the date of the law’s passage and its publication.”
Romualdez also stressed that the seniors should not be left behind, adding that the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) should be clear and comprehensive in ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive the cash gifts.
“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I will continue to champion legislative measures that promote the welfare of our senior citizens and work closely with our colleagues to ensure swift and efficient implementation of this law,” he said.
“Our elders deserve nothing less than our utmost care and respect, and we will make sure that their contributions to our nation are duly honored,” he added.