Reelectionist Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. joined senior citizens in the simultaneous distribution of cash gifts to the qualified beneficiaries of the Republic Act (RA) No. 11982) or the Expanded Centenarians Act in Malacañan on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Revilla, the principal author of Republic Act No. 11982 or the “Expanded Centenarians Act”, was in Malacañang Palace where President Marcos led the historic ceremonial and inaugural distribution of P10,000 to '"lolos and lolas" who reached the milestone age of 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old, marking the government’s commitment to honoring and supporting the elderly.

Simultaneously, 16 payouts were conducted nationwide.

"Lubos po akong natutuwa na sa wakas ay nagsimula na ang pamamahagi natin ng cash gift sa mga lolo at lola na umabot sa edad na 80, 85, 90, at 95. Emotional moment po ito para sa akin dahil matagal ko itong pinaglaban (I am deeply delighted that we have finally begun distributing cash gifts to our elderly who have reached the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95. This is an emotional moment for me because I have fought hard for this initiative)," he said.

"Ngayon, natutupad na ang pangako nating mabigyan ng munting regalo ang ating mga nakatatanda. Marami sa kanila ang talagang matagal nang umaasa rito, at ngayon ay natatanggap na nila (Now, our promise to provide a small token of appreciation to our senior citizens is being fulfilled. Many of them have been hoping for this for a long time, and now they are finally receiving it)," Revilla added.

Although the Expanded Centenarians Act was signed into law last year on Feb. 26, this is the first time that cash gifts were officially distributed to qualified beneficiaries. The law grants P10,000 to Filipinos reaching the said ages, in addition to the P100,000 given to those reaching 100 years old.

According to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), the government office in charge of implementing the law, over P2.9 billion will be distributed to 275,000 qualified senior citizens this year.

As the rollout began, Revilla called on the agency to simplify the application and distribution process to ensure seniors can claim their benefits hassle-free.

"Huwag nating pahirapan ang ating mga lolo at lola sa pagkuha ng kanilang benepisyo. Dapat ay simple at mabilis ang proseso upang agad nilang matanggap ang tulong na ito," he emphasized.

He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for senior citizens’ welfare, and vowed to continue championing their welfare as he seeks another term in the Senate.