Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has recently advocated for lowering the age requirement for senior citizenship in the Philippines from 60 to 56. As the principal author of the newly signed Expanded Centenarian Law, Revilla believes that this adjustment is necessary due to the relatively low life expectancy of Filipinos. Additionally, he highlights that many Filipinos already rely on maintenance medications by the age of 40 or even earlier.
Revilla suggests that one of the conditions for lowering the senior citizenship age should be the entitlement to a 10 percent discount on food and medicines, among other benefits. Before formally filing the measure, he aims to gauge public sentiment on this matter. The senator recognizes the importance of gathering input from the people to enhance the provisions of the bill, ensuring that more Filipinos can benefit from its implementation in the future.
During a visit to Baguio City, Revilla, along with the cast of the sitcom “Walang Matulis na Pulis sa Matinik na Masis,” promoted their weekly show on GMA Network’s float, which participated in the grand floral parade of the 28th edition of Baguio’s Panagbenga flower festival. This event provided an opportunity for Revilla to assure concerned sectors that the Senate would conduct public hearings on the proposed legislation.
The Amended Centenarians Act, also known as the “Revilla Law,” aims to provide cash benefits of P10,000 to elderly Filipinos at an earlier age, enabling them to enjoy their lives more comfortably. Revilla commends the President for signing this law, which grants cash benefits to octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians.
Under Republic Act 11982 or the “Revilla Law,” all Filipinos who reach the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 are entitled to a cash gift of P10,000. Additionally, those who reach the remarkable age of 100 will receive P100,000. Revilla takes pride in fulfilling his promise to elderly Filipinos and highlights that this was the first measure he filed in the 19th Congress, following his initial filing during the 18th Congress in 2019.
To ensure the effective implementation of the law, Revilla emphasizes the need for an Elderly Data Management System to be maintained by the National Commission on Senior Citizens. This system will guarantee that all eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits they are entitled to. Revilla believes that it is crucial to honor and provide deserving benefits to the elderly who have contributed so much to the country.
In conclusion, Senator Revilla’s proposal to lower the senior citizenship age to 56 aims to address the low life expectancy of Filipinos and the early reliance on maintenance medications. By seeking public input and conducting public hearings, Revilla aims to enhance the provisions of the bill to benefit a larger number of Filipinos. The “Revilla Law” provides cash benefits to elderly Filipinos at various age milestones, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of the elderly population in the country.
Source: The Manila Times
