TARLAKENYO (May 9, 2023) — The House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to pass on the Third and Final reading yesterday House Bill No. 7535, which will see centenarians receiving P1 million when they reach 101 years old.
In addition, this will also give P25,000 to octogenarians who reach 80 and 85 and nonagenarians who reach 90 and 95.
Beneficiaries include all Filipino centenarians, regardless of whether they are living in the country or abroad.
Tarlac Third Congressional District Representative Noel ‘Bong’ Rivera is one of the co-authors of the House Bill.
“We are honoring our elderlies in recognition of their contributions to the country, their community, and their family. They deserve these cash gifts so they can enjoy what remains of their long lives,” Rep. Rivera said.
According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as of September 2022, there are 662 Filipino centenarians in the country.
Concepcion, Tarlac, alone has at least four centenarians, each receiving a total of P200,000 from the provincial and municipal governments. They are also expected to receive an additional P100,000 each from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development under the Centenarians Act.
HB7535 seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, entitling all Filipinos who reach 100 years old and above with a cash gift worth P100,000.
Under the current Act, octagenarians receive just P2,000 per year from 80-89, while nonagenarians receive just P10,000 every year from 90-99 years old.
The approved House Bill was transmitted to and received by the Senate today for action.
Once the bill is signed into law, the DSWD will be tasked to administer and distribute the cash gift to qualified beneficiaries.
