(MANILA BULLETIN)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez took advantage of the country’s ongoing celebration of Elderly Filipino Week to echo calls for the sufficient funding of the amended Centenarian’s Act. 

"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," Romualdez said in a statement Thursday, Oct. 3. 

The expanded Centenarian’s Act now extends a cash gift worth P10,000 to senior citizens who reach the ages milestones of 80, 85, 90, and 95. 

"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 Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president. 

Elderly Filipino Week is celebrated during the first week of October. 

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

The Speaker 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. 

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," added the Leyte 1st district congressman.