Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. has called on the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) to ensure the timely implementation of Republic Act 11982, known as the Expanded Centenarians Law, by January 2025. This appeal was made during a statement on December 18, 2024, emphasizing the urgency of the law’s enforcement.
The law stipulates that senior citizens will receive PHP10,000 upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, with the requirement to claim this amount from the NCSC within one year of reaching these ages. Additionally, individuals reaching the age of 100 will be entitled to a one-time cash gift of PHP100,000, a benefit highlighted by a recent event where a centenarian in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, received this sum.
Revilla stressed the importance of immediate action by the NCSC, expressing confidence that they would not let down the elderly who have been eagerly awaiting these benefits since the law’s enactment in March. He also confirmed that funding for the program has been secured in the 2025 National Budget, following his coordination with the Department of Budget and Management.
The senator pointed out that around 200,000 senior citizens are expected to benefit from the law. The NCSC has already opened applications for those who turned 80, 85, 90, or 95 from March 17, 2024, when the law took effect, until December 31, 2024. However, these applicants will be placed on a waiting list until the funds are released in the coming year.