Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7821

House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. FRANCISCO G. DATOL, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In passing the Centenarians Act its explanatory note asserted that "a
major indication of the level of a 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 (90years) 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.

Fi 0 G L, IR.
Representative
Senior Citizens Party-List


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
7821

House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. FRANCISCO G. DATOL, JR.

AN ACT
TO AMEND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10868,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CENTERNARIANS 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. — All 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. Fifectivity. - 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,