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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Abante glad as Senate catches up with House effort to establish seniors' hospital

Abante glad as Senate catches up with House effort to establish seniors' hospital

Published Feb 6, 2026 11:19 pm

At A Glance

  • Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr. welcomed the Senate's recent unanimous approval of the proposed Philippine Geriatric Center Act--a measure that was passed by the House of Representatives last December.
Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. (PPAB)
Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. (PPAB)


Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. welcomed the Senate’s recent unanimous approval of the proposed Philippine Geriatric Center Act--a measure that was passed by the House of Representatives last December.
The Senate voted 23-0 to approve on third and final reading Senate Bill (SB) No. 1509, which sought to establish a specialty center dedicated to comprehensive and age-appropriate health care for elder Filipinos.
With this, the House's National Center for Geriatric Health Bill--passed ahead of the last year's holiday break--became the foundation for the completion of the remaining legislative steps toward the measure's enactment.
“The House acted early because we recognized the urgency of this issue,” Abante, the House Committee on Human Rights chairman, said.
"Long before this measure reached the Senate floor, the House had already made clear that establishing a dedicated hospital for senior citizens is a priority. The Senate’s action...affirms that this is a shared commitment," he pointed out.
Abante said the geriatric health measure was one of the 12 Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority bills that was passed by the House.
Other such measures include institutionalizing assistance to individuals in crisis situations, strengthening reintegration support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and improving access to specialized health care for the elderly.
Abante, a longtime seniors' advocate and national geriatric hospital champion, said "For many years, I have been advocating for a hospital that truly understands the unique health needs of our lolos and lolas—one that treats them with the dignity, respect, and compassion they deserve."
"The House took the lead in December because our seniors cannot afford further delay. This is not just about passing a bill—it is about delivering on a long-overdue promise to our senior citizens," he underscored.
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