A former lawmaker welcomed the passing of a bill granting P1 million to Filipino centenarians.

Former Buhay Party-list representative Lito Atienza pushed had pushed for the passage of House Bill 7535 in the 18th Congress.

“We welcome the passing on 3rd reading of House Bill No. 7535, which includes our pet bill ‘Pilipino Milyonaryo’ which we introduced in the 18th Congress — to grant P1 million to centenarians reaching 101 years old. This bill would encourage and give the families of our senior citizens the means to continue taking care of their beloved lolos and lolas, as well as to strengthen our traditional family values of caring for our elderly.

“Our Filipino culture is distinct in our respect and care for the elderly. While in other cultures, senior citizens are sent off to nursing homes instead of being cared for by their own families, we take care of our senior family members and give them the respect, love and attention they deserve. Our seniors have worked hard and have given their contribution to our community and to our country, that’s why they should be given the importance they rightfully deserve,” Atienza said.

Atienza likewise thanked the current House leadership and its members for pursuing what he initiated.

“I also thank the present members of Congress for following thru what we have initiated and started. We shall continue working with them, together with the Senate and if necessary President Bongbong Marcos, to make it a reality,” he added said.

Last Monday, the House of Representatives on approved on third and final reading with an overwhelming 257 votes of a bill increasing the cash gift for Filipino centenarians (living here or abroad) from P100,000 to P1 and P25,000 to Filipinos who reach the age of 80 and 85 (octogenarians), and 90 and 95 (nonagenarians).

All of them will also receive a letter of felicitation from the President of the Philippines.

“With this legislation, the House of Representatives would like to honor our countrymen for their years of service to the country and for their discipline in ensuring that they live a long, healthy and fruitful life,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

The bill mandates the National Commission of Senior Citizens to implement the measure once passed into law and amends Republic Act No. 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016 which entitles all Filipinos who reach 100 years old and above with a cash gift worth P100,000.

Two in every 100,000 Filipinos are centenarians as of 2020, and majority of them are women, according to a report by Business Mirror citing data from a UK-based care home marketplace.

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Jester P. Manalastas