Incarcerated seniors can receive centenarian cash gifts – lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines — One of the authors of Republic Act (RA) 11982 or the Centenarian Act yesterday assured the public that eligible seniors who are incarcerated or have been released from jail can also receive cash gift of P10,000.

In a statement, House Deputy Minority Leader Bernandette Herrera reminded the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) about the implementation of the republic act among those who came in conflict with the law.

Herrera, who represents the Bagong Henerasyon partylist, said the law also provides cash gifts to seniors when they reach the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, 95 and 100 even if they are in jail or have been discharged from prison by virtue of parole, pardon or commutation of sentence.

“I recommend to the BJMP to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and NCSC so that these seniors will not be deprived of this benefit,” she added.

The lawmaker vowed that her office would coordinate with the BJMP and DOJ to “determine the exact number of seniors deprived of liberty and newly liberated individuals nationwide.”

“I will follow–up with them to ensure that their data is verified and provided to those implementing the cash gift for eligible seniors,’” she said.

Early this month, President Marcos signed RA 11982 into law, but implementation remains uncertain since funding for the benefits is not included in the General Appropriations Act for 2024.