Speaker vows sufficient funding for expanded Centenarian Act

MANILA, Philippines —  Speaker Martin Romualdez yesterday supported calls for sufficient funding for the amended Centenarian Act, which now extends a cash gift of P10,000 to senior citizens who reach milestone ages 80, 85, 90 and 95 years.

“I welcome the approval of amendments to the Centenarian Act under Republic Act 11982. This is a significant step in ensuring that our elders, who dedicated their lives to their families and communities, receive the recognition and care they deserve,” Romualdez said.

He said he would continue championing legislative measures that promote the welfare of the elderly and work closely with his colleagues in the House to ensure swift and efficient implementation of the law.

“Our elders deserve nothing less than our care and respect, and we will make sure that their contributions to our nation are honored,” he said.

Romualdez made the assurance during the opening of the observance of Elderly Filipino Week this week.

“During this celebration of Elderly Week, let’s take the opportunity to align the legislature and executive’s objectives in getting funding needed to roll out additional benefits for our beloved seniors,” he said in a statement.

The House committee on senior citizens, chaired by Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, has proposed meeting the law’s funding requirement.