The country’s octogenarians and nonagenarians can now look forward to receiving cash gifts from the government as the bill expanding the coverage of the “Centenarians Act of 2016” has successfully hurdled the Senate’s third and final reading.
Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., principal author of Senate Bill No. 2028, which substituted Senate Bill No. 21, lauded the approval of the bill, as he is convinced the bill is now nearing enactment into law.
“We are very happy and grateful for the passage of our first and priority proposal which they now call the 'Revilla Bill'. This is proof of the appreciation, love, and care for our grandparents," the veteran lawmaker said.
“The Senate happened to approve it on my birthday, so this is our birthday gift for them,” Revilla said.
Senate Bill No. 2028 overwhelmingly received 20 affirmative votes with no negative vote and zero abstentions. Under the measure, all Filipinos reaching the ages of 80 and 90 shall receive cash gifts amounting to P10,000 and P20,000 respectively. Those reaching the age of one hundred (100) shall continue to receive P100,000 and a letter of felicitation from the President of the Philippines.
Under the current law, only those who reach the age of 100 can avail of the cash benefit. According to Revilla, only few Filipino senior citizens live up to the centenarian age, hence, the need to amend it.
Revilla expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the Senate, especially to Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development Chairperson Sen. Imee R. Marcos and Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri for supporting the passage of the legislation.
“We are happy with this development because in reality, currently, the beneficiaries are too old before they can receive and enjoy the monetary gift that the government gives them,” the senator said.
“Others may not understand what they are receiving. So we really pushed for it to be advanced somehow so they can enjoy it more,” he further said.
The House of Representatives had already passed their version of the bill and a bicameral conference committee shall be constituted to reconcile the disagreeing provisions of the two versions.
Once reconciled and ratified by both chambers, the bill would be sent to Malacañang for President Marcos’ signature.