Duterte signs law creating national body for senior citizens

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has signed the measure that creates the National Commission on Senior Citizens, which also leads to the abolition of the National Coordinating Council and Monitoring Board.

The National Commission of Senior Citizens’ Act coincides with the government’s policy to adopt measures to assist our aging population and show them appreciation.

It also allows the government to establish community-based health and rehabilitation, educational and socio-economic programs for all senior citizens.

“Consistent with this policy, the State shall promote the advocacy of and collaboration between different stakeholders and senior citizens to ensure the effective implementation of various programs and services, particularly on the development of senior citizens and advancing their health and well-being, and ensuring a supportive and enabling environment for the elderly,” the law read.

The commission will be placed under the Office of the President. It shall be composed of a chairperson and six commissioners and shall act as a collegial body. The six commissioners shall represent different geographical regions of the Philippines and shall hold office in their respective regions. The chair and commissioners shall have a term of six years, without prejudice to reappointment by the President.

To understand the needs of senior citizens, the members of the commission must be citizens and residents of the Philippines, at least 60 years old at the time of their appointment. 

They should have good moral character and be bonafide members of senior citizens’ groups, holders of a college degree or have relevant experience in the affairs of senior citizens, of good health and sound mind, and shall not have been convicted by final judgement of a crime involving moral turpitude.

It is also required that the appointees be recommended by a general assembly of senior citizens organizations and also provided that at least two commissioners are women.