1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
2nd Regular Session 
House Bill No. 9569
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES ERWIN T. TULFO, JOCELYN P. TULFO 
EDVIC G. YAP, ERIC GO YAP AND RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING MONTHLY MAINTENANCE MEDICATION SUPPORT FOR 
SENIOR CITIZENS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The "Monthly Maintenance Medication Support Act for Senior Citizens" is a legislative 
proposal that responds to a critical issue facing our elderly population, particularly 
those dealing with chronic or long-term medical conditions. It acknowledges the 
fundamental importance of preserving and enhancing the health and well-being of 
senior citizens in our society. 
One of the primary challenges faced by senior citizens, especially those with ongoing 
medical needs, is the financial strain associated with obtaining essential medications. 
Chronic illnesses often require regular and costly treatments, imposing a substantial 
burden on seniors and their families. This bill recognizes this burden and aims to 
alleviate it by providing financial assistance. 
By offering a monthly stipend of Php 1,000.00 for maintenance medications, this bill 
is designed to improve the quality of life of our senior citizens and ease the financial 
constraints they encounter, making it more feasible for them to access the medications 
they require. It acknowledges that managing chronic diseases should not be 
compromised due to economic limitations. 
Furthermore, the bill is a manifestation of our society's commitment to honoring and 
caring for our senior citizens who have contributed to our nation's growth and 
development over the years. It recognizes their invaluable role and endeavors to 
ensure that they can enjoy their senior years with dignity and good health. 
November 20, 2023
11:24 am


2 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
  ERWIN T. TULFO
EDVIC G. YAP
JOCELYN P. TULFO 
       ERIC GO YAP 
            RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO   


1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
2nd Regular Session 
House Bill No. 9569
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES ERWIN T. TULFO, JOCELYN P. TULFO 
EDVIC G. YAP, ERIC G. YAP AND RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING MONTHLY MAINTENANCE MEDICATION SUPPORT FOR 
SENIOR CITIZENS 
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 "Monthly 
Maintenance Medication Support Act for Senior Citizens." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – Consonant with Article XIII, Sec. 11 of 
the Constitution which provides that the State shall adopt an integrated and 
comprehensive approach to health and other social services available to all people at 
affordable cost, giving priority to the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women 
and children, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and promote the 
health and well-being of elderly citizens for their continued meaningful contribution 
and participation in the society. This Act seeks to provide monthly financial assistance 
to senior citizens, enabling them to access and afford necessary maintenance 
medications, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health outcomes. 
SECTION 3. Monthly Maintenance Medication Support. - The government 
shall provide monthly financial support amounting to Php 1,000.00 to all senior 
citizens, hereinafter referred to as "beneficiaries," who are qualified and registered as 
such under Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens 
Act of 2010." 
SECTION 4. Eligibility and Registration. - To qualify for the Monthly 
Maintenance Medication Support, a senior citizen must meet the following criteria: 
(a) Be a Filipino citizen and a registered senior citizen as defined in Republic
Act No. 9994. 
(b) Submit an application to the Department of Health (DOH) or its designated
agency, accompanied by a valid prescription for maintenance medications issued by 


 
2 
a licensed medical practitioner within the last six (6) months from the date of 
application. 
 
(c) Once approved, beneficiaries shall be issued a Monthly Maintenance 
Medication Support Card. 
 
SECTION 5. Use of the Monthly Support. - The Monthly Maintenance 
Medication Support shall be used exclusively to purchase prescribed maintenance 
medications, including but not limited to medicines for chronic illnesses, vitamins, 
and supplements, from all public or private pharmaceutical establishments upon 
presentment of a prescription validly issued within the last six (6) months from the 
date of purchase. The Monthly Maintenance Medication Support shall not be 
transferrable to any person other than the person to which the same is provided as 
named in the Monthly Maintenance Medication Support Card. Any unused portion 
of the support shall not be convertible to cash. 
 
SECTION 6. Implementation and Coordination. - The Department of Health 
(DOH) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Act and shall coordinate 
with other relevant agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD), to ensure the efficient distribution of the Monthly 
Maintenance Medication Support. 
 
SECTION 7. Monitoring and Reporting. - The DOH shall establish a 
monitoring system to track the utilization of the Monthly Maintenance Medication 
Support and shall submit an annual report to Congress detailing the program's 
effectiveness and impact on senior citizens' health and well-being. 
 
SECTION 9. Penalties. - Any person who commits fraud, misrepresentation, 
or any form of abuse in the application or use of the Monthly Maintenance Medication 
Support shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law. 
 
SECTION 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, in 
coordination with the DSWD and other relevant agencies, shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement this Act within ninety (90) 
days from its effectivity. 
 
SECTION 11. Separability Clause. – If any part, section, or provision of this 
Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected shall remain in 
full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 12. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended 
accordingly. 
 
SECTION 13. 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,