Expanded Centenarian Law: Made Even Better
In a world where longevity is increasingly becoming a reality, the Philippines has taken a significant step forward in recognizing its elderly citizens through the Expanded Centenarian Law. President Marcos signed this law providing P10,000 cash gift to citizens who reach 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old.
In a ceremony held at Malacañang Palace, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed the legislation. Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives were present during the said ceremony.
Republic Act No. 11983, the law on monetary presents to the elderly, provides 10,000 pesos to Filipinos upon reaching the significant ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95.
The expanded centenarian law, according to Congressman Representative Rodolfo Ordanes, who represents Senior Citizens in the lower house, would provide seniors a financial gift of 10,000 pesos upon reaching each milestone age and an additional 100,000 pesos when turning 100.
During his speech, Marcos praised the Centenarian Law (Republic Act No. 11983) revision, calling it an homage to the Filipino culture of caring for the old.
“The expansion of the coverage of the Centenarians Act is a homage to the Filipino trait of compassion, and in our culture, none are showered with more kind and loving care than our elderly,” said Marcos in his speech.
“We do, after all, stand on the shoulders of these giants. But they deserve more than cash in an envelope. What they should get is a support infrastructure that every society owes to its greying population,” he added.
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More than financial assistance and 100k for centenarians
President Bongbong Marcos emphasized the importance of providing more than just financial assistance, advocating for a robust support system for the aging population. Furthermore, the beauty of this new law is that it creates an Elderly Data Management System.
Also, the Centenarian Law used to solely provide rewards to Filipinos who turned 100 years old. The law entitled them to a gift of 100,000 pesos money. Now, however, that’s not the case anymore. The Congress expanded the scope of these benefits in December 2023. The amendment was signed into law last Monday.
As the Philippines embraces its aging population, the approval of the Expanded Centenarian Law by President Marcos marks a significant step forward in ensuring that centenarians receive the support, recognition, and dignity they deserve.