Marcos signs expanded Centenarian Law that awards cash aid to the aged


The bill will grant P10,000 (RM850) to Filipinos who reach the age of 80, 85, 90, and 95. - File photo from the San Marcelino Public Information Office

MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed into law on Monday (Feb 26) a bill granting P10,000 (RM850) to Filipinos who reach the age of 80, 85, 90, and 95.

Marcos signed the measure amending the Centenarian Law (Republic Act No. 11983) in Malacañan Palace, with lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Senate in attendance.

“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.

The president said that the passage of the law could be attributed to the ageing politicians in government.

“We might be suspected of having passed this bill for ourselves in preparation for our dotage,” Marcos said.

The Centenarian Law had only previously covered Filipinos who turned 100 years old. Centenarians receive P100,000 upon turning 100.

Congress approved the expanded coverage of cash gifts to seniors in December 2023.

“Both panels agreed to set at P10,000 the cash gift to be given to Filipino seniors within one year from when they turn 80, 85, 90, and 95. And within one year from when the senior reaches age 100, the senior would receive a P100,000 cash gift,” Senior Citizen Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes said in 2023. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Aseanplus News

Kenneth Ma and Moses Chan secure "No.1 brother" status in TVB anniversary group photo
China mother jailed for abandoning son with brain injuries inflicted during family dispute
Asean news headlines as at 10pm on Thursday (Nov 21)
World Bank outlines path for Vietnam to reach high income status
Hun Sen urges diplomacy on Ko Kut, legal action on extremism
Bangladesh ex-PM Khaleda Zia makes first public appearance in six years
Hanoi prepares for temperature drop as cold front approaches
'This episode is totally heartbreaking' says top promoter Kharisma Music; initiates legal proceedings against singer Aishah Retno for loss of income and slander
Malaysia re-elected to Uncitral for 2025-2031 term
Cambodia jails another govt critic for defamation

Others Also Read