Senate passes proposed Centenarians Act

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate on Tuesday passed on third and final reading the proposed Centenarians Act, which seeks incentives for Filipinos who will reach the age of 100.

A counterpart bill at the House of Representatives was passed on third and final reading last March 2012.

The bill proposes to award a Filipino citizen who will reach the age of 100 a cash gift of P100,000 and a letter of felicitation congratulating the centenarian from the President of the Philippines.

The bill seeks to amend Section 4 of Republic Act 7432 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003.

The House bill's author, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said that reaching the age of 100 is "an achievement and a distinction worthy of emulation and public recognition."