Sufficient funding for expanded Centenarian’s Act a must, says Speaker Romualdez on Elderly Filipino Week

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday supported calls for sufficient funding of the amended Centenarian’s Act, which now extends a cash gift worth P10,000 to senior citizens who reach the ages milestones of 80, 85, 90, and 95.

Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, had this to say amid the country’s celebration of Elderly Filipino Week this first week of October.

“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,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“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,” said Speaker Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president.

House Committee on Senior Citizens Chairman and Senior Citizens Partylist Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes recently proposed meeting the law’s funding requirement.

Speaker Romualdez said he “fully supports” these suggestions from the elderly solon.

“I agree that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should consider sourcing the necessary funds either from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) savings or from the Unprogrammed Funds of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA),” said the House chief.

“Given the relatively modest amount required and the urgency of delivering this benefit, tapping into these existing resources is both practical and feasible,” noted Speaker Romualdez.

“Furthermore, I endorse the call to clarify the implementation of this law, particularly for those senior citizens whose birthdays fall between the date of the law’s passage and its publication,” he said.

Speaker Romualdez said it is crucial that these particular seniors are not left behind and that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are clear and comprehensive in ensuring that all eligible seniors receive their entitlements within the prescribed time frame.

“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I will continue to champion legislative measures that promote the welfare of our senior citizens and work closely with our colleagues to ensure swift and efficient implementation of this law,” he said.

“Our elders deserve nothing less than our utmost care and respect, and we will make sure that their contributions to our nation are duly honored,” the Leyte 1st district congressman said.