TINIYAK ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez na malalagyan ng sapat na pondo ang inamyendahang Centenarian’s Act, kung saan bibigyan ng P10,000 na cash gift ang mga senior citizens na magdiriwang ng kanilang 80, 85, 90, at 95 kaarawan.

Ginawa ni Speaker Romualdez, lider ng Kamara de Representantes na mayroong mahigit 300 kinatawan sa pagdiriwang ng Elderly Filipino Week, na isinasagawa tuwing unang linggo ng Oktubre.

“I welcome the recent approval of amendments to the Centenarian’s Act under Republic Act (RA) 11982. This is a significant step in ensuring that our elders, who have dedicated their lives to their families and communities, receive the recognition and care they truly deserve,” ani Romualdez.

“During this celebration of Elderly Week, let’s take the opportunity to align the legislature and executives’ objectives in getting the funding needed to roll out the additional benefits for our beloved seniors,” saad pa ni Romualdez, na siya ring pangulo ng partidong Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

Kamakailan ay itinulak ni House Committee on Senior Citizens Chairman at Senior Citizens Partylist Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes na punan ang kinakailangang pondo para epektibong maipatupad ang batas.

Sabi ni Speaker Romualdez na buo kanyang suporta sa panawagan ni Ordanes.

“I agree that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should consider sourcing the necessary funds either from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) savings or from the Unprogrammed Funds of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA),” saad pa ng lider ng Kamara.

“Given the relatively modest amount required and the urgency of delivering this benefit, tapping into these existing resources is both practical and feasible,” punto pa ni Speaker Romualdez.

“Furthermore, I endorse the call to clarify the implementation of this law, particularly for those senior citizens whose birthdays fall between the date of the law’s passage and its publication,” dagdag pa nito.

Iginiit ni Speaker Romualdez ang kahalagahan na hindi maiwan ang mga senior citizen, bagay na malinaw at komprehensyibong aniyang nakasaad sa Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) ng batas kung saan lahat ng pasok na nakatatanda ay dapat matanggap ang benepisyo sa tinukoy na edad.

“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I will continue to champion legislative measures that promote the welfare of our senior citizens and work closely with our colleagues to ensure swift and efficient implementation of this law,” sabi niya.

“Our elders deserve nothing less than our utmost care and respect, and we will make sure that their contributions to our nation are duly honored,” dagdag pa ng kinatawan ng unang distrito ng Leyte.