TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S. B. No.
107
25 JUL-3 P5:11
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ALAN PETER “COMPANERO” S. CAYETA
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING CENTERS FOR ELDERLY IN ALL CITIES AND 
MUNICIPALITIES, PROVIDING MINIMUM STANDARDS, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In Isaiah 46:4, the Bible teaches us to respect and honor our elders, as God 
Himself offers them assurance and comfort: “Even to your old age and gray hairs, 
I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will 
sustain you and I will rescue you.” This verse reminds us that just as God remains 
faithful to the elderly, we too. His people, are called to care for and treat them with 
highest reverence and with dignity and love.
In our country, more than the Constitutional duty of every family to care for 
its elders, the responsibility is deeply rooted into the very being of every Filipino. 
Our history shows that ancient Filipinos held the elderly in high regard. We take 
pride in our long ingrained value of caring for one another, especially for our lolos 
and lolas. On a much larger scale, the State has the responsibility to prioritize the 
needs of the elderly, and underprivileged in the provision of social services.
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people in the world will 
be aged 60 years or older by 2030. The global population in this age group is 
projected to grow from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the 
population of those aged 80 and older is anticipated to triple— rising to around 426 
million.1 Population aging would ultimately influence labor force participation in the 
market, affecting economic growth.2
People aged 60 years old and over are considered senior citizens in the 
Philippines. According to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), 
the country’s demographic can be considered an ‘aging population’ by 20303— 
ranking 22nd in East Asia and the Pacific, and 110th globally.4 In 2020, seniors 
made up 8.5% of the population (9.2 million), nearly double the 4.5 million 
recorded in 2000 (5.9%).5 An increase in the ageing population would mean a 
corresponding increase in the demand for care of this sector,6 specifically health 
care services. Hence, the pressing need to take care of our elderly population.
1 World Health Organization. (2024, October 1). Ageing and health. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact- 
sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
2 Harasty, C., & Ostermeier, M. (2020). Population ageing: Alternative measures of dependency and impiications for the future of 
work (ILO Working Paper). International Labour Organization. Retrieved from: https://webapps.ilo.org/static/engleh/intsery/working- 
papers/wp005/index.html#ID0EZ6EM
3 Villanueva, R. (2024, January 9). Philippines may have aging population by 2030 - CPD. The Philippine Star. Retrieved from: 
https://www.philstar.eom/headlines/2024/01/09/2324420/philippines-may-have-aging-population-2030-cpd
4 Supra Note at 2.
5 Commission on Population and Development. (2022, August 15). Filipino children’s population declined in last 20 years: While 
seniors comprise 8.5% of PHL population as of 2020. POPCOM. Retrieved from: https://cpd.gov.ph/popcom-filipino-childrens- 
population-declined-in-last-20-years-while-seniors-comprise-8-5-of-phl-population-as-of-2020/
6 Supra Note 3.


Recognizing this growing demand, the national government has steadily 
increased its support for the elderly. For fiscal year 2025, a total of Php49.8 billion 
has been allocated under the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program, 
which now provides a Php 1,000 monthly stipend to over 4 million indigent 
seniors.7'8 However, while this financial assistance addresses daily subsistence, it 
does not respond to the equally critical need for safe, dedicated living spaces and 
long-term care facilities for senior citizens—especially those who are abandoned, 
homeless, or without family support. Currently, the Department of Social Welfare 
and Development (DSWD) has a total of 76 centers and residential care’tacilities 
(CRCFs) nationwide which are owned and managed by the agency and catering 
to all sectors—^from children to older persons.9 These efforts show a growing 
recognition of the needs of our aging population and reflect the State’s willingness 
to invest in programs that support their welfare.
A model city for combining economic growth with malasakit and strong 
values for the elderly is the City of Taguig. In 2019, it successfully launched the 
Center for the Elderly, a disabled-friendly, five-story facility, designed for senior 
citizens with low-risk, less serious or uncomplicated cases. The Center offers 
accessible health services, recreation, wellness and leisure facilities, including a 
medical clinic, therapy pool, a fully-equipped gym, a yoga room, a ballroom, 
saunas, a spa with massage chairs, a movie theatre, a rooftop garden, activity area 
with board games and reading materials, outdoor exercise equipment, and more- 
promoting holistic care and dignity for the elderly.
Section 11, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution provides that “the State shall 
adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which 
shall endeavor to make essential health and other social services available to all 
the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the 
underprivileged and elderly.” This bill seeks to establish this State policy to create 
a Center for the Elderly in every city or municipality that is especially dedicated to 
the overall well-being of our beloved lolos and lolas. It aims to provide accessible 
eldercare services in every locality in order to address the overall needs of an 
ageing population. The Center shall include within its facilities a Co-Working and 
Community Engagement Space dedicated to providing an inclusive environment 
where elderlies or senior citizens can freely exchange ideas, work alone or with 
other elder groups, and participate in discussions relevant to their sector. With the 
introduction of the City of Taguig’s Center for Elderly as a model, the national 
government’s agenda to promote inclusivity, fairness, and good governance will 
further be advanced.
For these reasons, the swift passage of the foregoing measure is earnestly 
sought.
ALAN PETER “COMPANERO” S. CAYETANO
7 Republic of the Philippines. (2025). General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Vol. 120, No. 53, p. 238). Official Gazette. 
Retrieved from: https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/GAA/GAA2025A/olumel B/DSWD/DSWD.pdf
8 Department of Budget and Management. (2024). Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens to get P48.8 billion budget in 2025; 
Expanded Centenarians Act to get over P3 billion [Press release]. Retrieved from: https://www.dbm.gov.ph/index.php/management- 
2/2941-dbm-social-pension-for-indigent-senior-citizens-to-get-p49-8-billion-budget-in-2025-expanded-centenarians-act-to-get-over- 
p3-billion
9 Department of Social Welfare and Development. (2024, September 19). DSWD has care facilities catering to children, women and 
seniors - DSWD exec. Retrieved from: https://old.dswd.gov.ph/dswd-has-care-facilities-catering-to-children-women-and-seniors- 
dswd-exec/


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S. B. No. 107
TIME:
Index
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ALAN PETER “COMPANERO” S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING CENTERS FOR ELDERLY IN ALL CITIES AND 
MUNICIPALITIES, PROVIDING MINIMUM STANDARDS, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Center for the 
Elderly in All Cities and Municipalities Act. ”
SECTION 2 Statement of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to prioritize 
the elderly in the adoption of an integrated and comprehensive approach to health 
and social development which endeavors to make essential goods, health and 
other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. The State 
likewise recognizes the vital role of the elderly in preserving cultural heritage, 
strengthening family and community ties, and shaping national identity. It shall 
therefore ensure that programs and policies are responsive to their evolving needs 
and uphold their right to a safe, supportive, and empowered life in their later years.
A whole-of-community approach shall be adopted to promote the well-being 
of elders through coordinated action by local government units, civil society, the 
private sector, and the families and communities to which they belong. The State 
shall foster collaboration among relevant stakeholders to ensure that the elderly 
receive continuous care, support, and opportunities for meaningful engagement in 
social, cultural, and civic life.
Towards this end, the State shall establish Centers for the Elderly in every 
city and municipality, which shall serve as dedicated, age-friendly facilities that 
provide accessible health care, wellness services, and recreational activities. 
These Centers shall also serve as venues for delivering social protection 
programs, enhancing social inclusion, and promoting the overall quality of life of 
senior citizens.
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms 
shall be defined as follows;
a. 
“Eldercare” shall mean the provision of primary health services that 
especially caters to the needs of senior citizens.
b. 
“Elderly” or “senior citizen” shall mean a resident citizen at least sixty 
(60) years of age, as defined under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9994 otherwise known 
as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010;”
c. 
“Less severe illness” shall mean a health problem, issue, or condition 
that does not carry a high risk of mortality and does not negatively impact the life 
and daily function of an individual;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
d. 
“Office for Senior Citizen Affairs” or “OSCA” shall mean the office 
established by R.A. No. 7432 otherwise known as the “Senior Citizens Act”, as 
amended by R.A. No. 9994;
e. 
“Primary heaith services” or “primary health care”shall mean the initial 
contact of an individual with an accessible and coordinated health system to 
manage health problems or issues that are less severe or uncomplicated, 
including, but not limited to the following: (i) Diagnosis and treatment of health 
problems: (ii) Prevention of health problems; (iii) Early intervention; and (iv) 
Managing ongoing and long-term conditions.
SECTION 4. Establishment of Local Centers for the Elderly (LCEs). - 
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in collaboration with 
local government units (LGUs), shall initially establish and maintain at least one 
(1) LCE in all cities and municipalities: Provided, That in cities and municipalities 
requiring the establishment of such CEs shall be established based on the multi­
year roadmap, or as resources may allow.
The LGUs and private organizations may establish satellite LCEs and/or 
additional facilities needed for the eldercare and protection of the senior citizens in 
the community, in coordination with the LCEs.
SECTION 5. Special Committee on Local Centers for the Elderly (SC- 
LCE). - For purposes of program and policy integration, there is hereby created a 
Special Committee on Centers for the Elderly to be composed of the following:
a. Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), as Chairperson; 
Secretary of the DSWD, as Vice Chairperson;
Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), 
as Member;
Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government 
(DILG), as Member:
National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Chairperson, as 
Member; and.
One representative of the private sector who is a senior citizen to be 
appointed by the President, as Member.
b.
c.
e.
f.
The Committee shall ensure that relevant government agencies shall 
establish at least one (1) Center for Elderly in every city and municipality especially 
dedicated to provide eldercare, recreational activities, social services, and 
assistance to senior citizens: Provided, That the SC-LCE shall provide non­
monetary incentives, such as seal of excellence awards scheme to LGUs and 
other agencies and organizations to encourage the establishment and 
maintenance of better LCE services and facilities
The establishment shall be a wellness hub with health services, with the 
following minimum standards:
a. 
A sufficient number of qualified staff shall be on duty at all times to 
render appropriate services in the Center;
b. 
Facilities, rooms, and spaces which are accessible, especially to the 
elderly and Persons with Disability, and with appropriate signage;
c. 
Basic health and recreational facilities which are appropriate for the 
elderly, including adequate space for indoor activities, and, as far as 
practicable, open spaces and garden area for outdoor activities;
d. 
Appropriate health facilities for elderly needing medical attention and 
for use for medical consultation and geriatric care services;
e. 
Basic utility, such as water and electricity;
f. 
Referral system within the Center, including coordination for 
ambulance and emergency transport services, subject to availability 
and feasibility;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
g. 
Dedicated pharmacy that can facilitate the application of the mandated 
20% senior citizen discount;
h. 
A designated fund or mechanism to support emergency care needs of 
senior citizens;
i. 
Establishment of partnerships with hospitals for referral and 
coordinated care; and
j. 
Senior Citizen Data and information management system that shall 
contain, store, and secure the health and other relevant data of the 
elderly, in accordance with the provisions of the R.A. 10173, otherwise 
known as the “Data Privacy Act of 2012.”.
The DSWD, consistent with the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9994 otherwise 
known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” and the DOH, consistent 
with the national health program for senior citizens, shall issue joint guidelines with 
the other agencies for the proper implementation of this Act, and shall provide 
assistance to LGUs in setting up the LCEs.
Medical services provided within the LCEs and their providers shall be 
accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
The SC-LCE shall regularly convene at least twice every year. The SC-LCE 
Chairperson may call a special meeting whenever necessary: Provided, That 
members are notified in writing at least three (3) days prior to the said meeting.
SECTION 6. Co-Working and Community Engagement Spaces. Each 
LCE shall include within its facilities a Co-Working and Community Engagement 
Space dedicated to providing an inclusive environment where elderlies or senior 
citizens can freely exchange ideas, work alone or with other elder groups, and 
participate in discussions relevant to their sector. The space shall be equipped with 
basic office tools, internet access, and other materials and equipment conducive 
to continued productivity.
SECTION 7. Role of the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA). -
The OSCA established in every city or municipality shall act as a liaison and 
referral office. It will also serve as the primary body to handle referrals in case 
there is a necessity for medical attention to a senior citizen.
It shall likewise make available a list of health and social services offered in 
respective LCEs.
SECTION 8. Staffing. - All LCEs established under this Act shall have four 
staff groups on a daily, rotational basis, comprising of at least one doctor, one 
nurse, and two trained barangay health workers.
The LGU concerned shall hire all LCEs staff as job order, casual, 
contractual, or regular employees. Barangay health workers currently serving the 
city or municipality shall be given preference in the hiring under this Act.
SECTION 9. Services. - All LCEs established under this Act shall be 
equipped with at least the most basic facilities that can cater to less severe, 
uncomplicated, and/or out-patient medical services, reliable financial assistance, 
social services, and worthwhile recreational activities.
SECTION 10. Tax Exemptions of the LCEs. - The Center shall be 
exempted from the payment of customs duties, taxes and tariffs on the importation 
of equipment and supplies used actually, directly, and exclusively by the Center 
pursuant to this Act, including those donated to the LCE.
SECTION 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within 60 
days upon the approval of this Act, the DOH, in coordination with the DSWD,


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
DPWH, and the DILG, shall prepare and issue such rules and regulations 
necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Thereafter, the DPWH shall ensure the commencement of the establishment 
of LCEs within the fiscal year after appropriating the corresponding budget.
SECTION 12. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against those authorized in the current 
appropriations of the DOH, DSWD, DPWH and other implementing partner 
agencies as provided in this Act. Thereafter, the amount necessary for its 
continued implementation shall be included in their respective budgetary 
allocations as separate line items in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SECTION 13. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts hereof not affected thereby 
shall remain valid.
SECTION 14. Repealing Clause. - All laws, acts, presidential decrees, 
executive orders, administrative orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with or 
contrary to the provisions of this Act are deemed amended, modified or repealed 
accordingly.
SECTION 15. 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,