KR RE PRESEN.
PS wW

* RECEIVED &
Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City
EIGTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 5717

Introduced by HON. FRANCISCO G. DATOL, JR.,
Representative, Senior Citizens Party-List

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In passing the Centenarians Act its explanatory note asserted that “a major
indication of the level of nation’s human development is life expectancy at
birth. Human development is attainable when the human population lives
healthy, and consequently, long and productive lives. Today, given the
level of country’s development, the average Filipino can expect to live to
only 71 years. Living to be a centenarian, or three (3) decades past the life
expectancy, is therefore an achievement and a distinction worthy of
emulation and public recognition.”

Very few Filipinos live up to 100 years or more. Some of them do not fully
appreciate and enjoy the value of money and accolade. Most likely, it is their
children or grandchildren that take pleasure from the benefits provided by the
Centenarians Act.

Living two (2) or three (3) decades after the life span of a typical Filipino is
also a commendable feat that could be emulated by our younger people.

While nonagenarians (90 years) are nearing centenarians and who have also
shared their wisdom and enviable experiences to our youth, they should likewise be
“paid proper respect and feel equally valued”. While they are physically and
comparatively stronger than centenarians, they could still fully appreciate the value
of money and recognition.

The Constitution declares that it is the duty of the family to take care of its
elderly while the State may design programs of social security for them.
(Section 4, Article XV). This bill is in response to this policy of the State.

An indication of a compassionate and humane society is its responsiveness to
the needs of its elderly members and approval of this bill is one of them.


This bill seeks to expand, extend or advance to nonagenarians the benefit
given to centenarians by the Centenarians Act. This advanced monetary benefit
would be most likely needed by nonagenarians for their maintenance medicines and
healthy food to further prolong their lives even beyond a century.

Immediate consideration and approval of this bill is most earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5717
House Bill No. _

Introduced by HON. FRANCISCO G. DATOL, JR.,
Representative, Senior Citizens Party-List

AN ACT
TO AMEND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10868,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CENTENARIANS ACT OF 2016
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSE

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

SECTION 1. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 10868, otherwise known as
Centenarians Act of 2016 is hereby amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2. Letter of Felicitation and Cash Gift -A\\ Filipinos who reach the age
of 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 Gift in the amount of one hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00) to_be distributed and given as follows: Upon
reaching the age of ninety (90) years old P90,000.00 shall be
advanced to him or her. The P10,000.00 balance shall be given
when he or she will reach one hundred (100) years old
together with the letter of felicitation mentioned above.

SECTION 2. Repealing Clause — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules
and regulations inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.


SECTION 3. Fffectivity— This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation, which shall not be later than seven (7) days after the approval thereof.

Approved,