Seniors matter

We seniors are gratified with the passage of House Bill No. 10647, authored by Senior Party-List Representative Rodolfo Ordanes, which will grant monetary benefits to seniors from age 80 years to 101 years old.

The bill, which was co-authored by about 160 representatives of various ages and affiliations, amended RA10868, otherwise known as The Centenarian Act, which grants a cash gift of P100,000 to those who reach 100 years of age and a letter of congratulations from the president.

House Bill 10647, which was transmitted to the Senate on Feb. 2, 2022 before the recess, retains the provision of P100,000 for those who reach 100 years of age and the letter of congratulations from the president. The bill provides additional cash gifts:

• P1,000,000 for those who reach 101 years of age, to be given on his or her 101st birthday and a letter of congratulations from the president;

• P25,000 for those who reach 80 years, 85 years, 90 years or 95 years of age.

• We seniors, who had the opportunity to participate in the deliberations on the bill, are happy that the House of Representatives added the provision of P25,000 to seniors who are at least 80 years old, so that the cash gift can help them buy the maintenance medicines and nutritional products they need at this stage of their lives. It will make their march to their sunset brighter and more comfortable.

We however, urge the Senate to act on the bill without delay and provide the source of funds for its implementation. Without the source of funds specified, the law may remain like a “stick of carrot dangling before the horse.”

We seniors thank The Philippine Star for its support for senior matters because seniors still matter to Philippine society. – Mafeo R. Vibal, VP External Affairs, Philippine Association of Retired Persons (PARP)