Excited seniors ask for quick implementation of benefits under new law

Some senior citizens called for the swift distribution of the P10,000 cash gifts for octogenarians and nonagenarians under a newly signed law expanding the Centenarian Act. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law Republic Act No. 11982 or the Amendments to the Centenarian Act which provides P10,000 worth of cash gifts for all Filipinos reaching the ages of  80, 85, 90, and 95. 

“Ibigay na agad. Kasi malay namin Ms. President kung bukas, o makalawa, o ilang araw na lang patay na kami. Eh di hindi na namin natanggap. Hindi na namin nagamit. Wala na rin,” senior citizen Morial Trinidad said. 

(Please give it to us. Who knows if we will still be here tomorrow, the next day or the next few days.  We won't be able to enjoy the benefits.)

However, the National Commission Of Senior Citizens (NCSC) said the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) have yet to be crafted and published in the Official Gazette. 

Also, there is still no budget allocated for the implementation of the law. 

“Ito po napakalaking bagay po nito sa mga senior natin dahil makakatulong ito sa pambili ng gamot at pangangailangan ng ating mga seniors,” NCSC Commissioner Ret. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III said. 

(This will greatly help senior citizens with their medical and other expenses.)

Cruz III said Marcos Jr. has ordered the fast-tracking of the crafting of the IRR. The measure is also expected to be included in the country’s national budget next year. 

Meanwhile, the NCSC advised senior citizens to register with the commission’s elderly data management on their website for the fast distribution of cash gifts. 

They will also be required to go and apply to their respective Office of Senior Citizens in their cities and municipalities once enacted. 

At least 10 million senior citizens are expected to benefit from the expanded law. —Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News