Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5414

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

Explanatory Note

The enactment of Republic Act 10868, otherwise known as the “Centenarians Act
of 2017”, which honored Filipinos who reached the age of one hundred (100)
years, granting them additional benefits and privileges, earned praise for it
showcased the country’s admiration and respect to its elderly citizens. Under this
law, Filipinos who reach the age of 100 are honored and are given a cash grant
amounting to One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 100,000.00).

Despite the modest intention of this law, unfortunately, many elderly Filipinos are
unable to reach the ripe age of 100, thus, rendering them unable to enjoy the
privileges and benefits of the law. It is a fact that the elderly Filipinos, or also
referred to as senior citizens, are part of a vulnerable sector in society. With the
rising cost of living and healthcare expenses, some of our senior citizens find it
difficult or are unable to afford various medications and medical procedures,
opting to forego medical treatments to prevent further increasing the financial
burden upon them and their families.

This measure seeks to further help the elderly Filipinos by amending Republic Act
10968, allowing senior citizens to avail of the cash grant earlier, at the age of
Eighty (80). They will be able to claim 25% of the Php 100,000.00 cash grant,
with the remaining granted upon reaching the age of 90 and 100.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bit No. __5414

Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10868, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
“AN ACT HONORING AND GRANTING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND
PRIVILEGES TO FILIPINO CENTENARIANS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES"

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. - Section 2 of Republic Act No. 10868 is hereby amended to read as
follows:

"Section 2. Letter of Felicitation and Cash Gift. All Filipinos who reach the
age of NINETY (90) AND one hundred (100) years old, whether residing in
the Philippines or abroad, shall be honored with:

(a) A Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines
congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity; and

(b) A Centenarian] CASH gift in the amount of one hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00), TO BE DISTRIBUTED AS FOLLOWS: (I) TWENTY FIVE
THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00) UPON REACHING THE AGE OF
EIGHTY (80), (II) TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00)
UPON REACHING THE AGE OF NINETY (90), AND (III) THE BALANCE
OF FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS UPON REACHING THE AGE OF ONE
HUNDRED (100)."

SECTION 2. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall
remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations,
and other parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,