House bill grants P100k to Pinoy centenarians

MANILA, Philippines - A House member has filed a legislation that will grant a cash gift worth P100,000 to Filipino senior citizens who will reach the age of 100.

Biliran Rep. Rogelio Espina filed House Bill 3134 or the Centenarians Act of 2014, which also gives all centenarians a 30-percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax on the sale of goods and services from all establishments.

Centenarians will also receive a letter of felicitation from the President.

The measure would also declare September 25 as National Respect for Centenarians day.

The bill provides that any person who abuses, refuses to abide by or violates the provisions of the proposed act shall suffer imprisonment of one year and a fine of P100,000, for the first offense, and for subsequent offense, imprisonment of two years and a fine of P150,000.

Espina said the country's "very slow" economic improvement is one of the major causes of stress to Filipinos, resulting in a shorter life expectancy.

"This is the primary reason why we need to give due honor and respect to living centenarians," Espina said.