SPEAKER MARTIN Romualdez on Thursday supported calls for sufficient funding of the amended Centenarian’s Act, which gives a PHP10,000 cash gift to senior citizens who reach the age milestones of 80, 85, 90, and 95.
"I welcome the recent approval of amendments to the Centenarian’s Act under Republic Act (RA) 11982. This is a significant step in ensuring that our elders, who have dedicated their lives to their families and communities, receive the recognition and care they truly deserve," he said in a statement as he joined the country’s celebration of Elderly Filipino Week.
"During this celebration of Elderly Week, let's take the opportunity to align the legislature and executives' objectives in getting the funding needed to roll out the additional benefits for our beloved seniors," he said.
Romualdez said he fully supports recent proposals made by the House Committee on Senior Citizens chairperson and Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes on meeting the law's funding requirement.
Ordanes earlier said the Department of Budget and Management considers sourcing the necessary funds either from the Department of Social Welfare and Development savings or from the Unprogrammed Funds of the 2024 General Appropriations Act.
"Given the relatively modest amount required and the urgency of delivering this benefit, tapping into these existing resources is both practical and feasible," Romualdez said.
He also endorsed the call to clarify the implementation of RA 11982, particularly for those senior citizens whose birthdays fall between the date of the law’s passage and its publication, to ensure that all eligible seniors receive their entitlements within the prescribed time frame. (Jose Cielito Reganit)
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