The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is looking forward to the swift approval of the four bills that Filipino elderlies have been waiting for after getting the nod of the House of Representatives.

These measures are House Bill (HB) No. 10312 or the proposed act enhancing the discount on purchases of goods and services of senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs); HB 10313, or the proposed promotion of senior citizens and PWDs by including services in the eGOV super app; HB 10188, or the proposed Senior Citizens Protection Against Fraud Act; and HB 10423, the proposed granting of a universal social pension to senior citizens, amending the Senior Citizen Act.

In an interview at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Monday, NCSC Chairperson Franklin Quijano said senior citizens are “celebrating” after their approval at the House, but it is still “glass half full” without the Senate’s approval.

“Kasi kailangang dumaan pa sa Senado, kaya we are hoping, we are hopeful na sana mapadali ito ng Senado, kasi itong dami ng batas parang ulan. When it rains, it pours, ang daming grasya na darating sa mga seniors (Because it still needs to go through the Senate, so we are hoping, we are hopeful that the Senate will act faster on it because these laws are like rain. When it rains, it pours, a lot of benefits will come to the seniors),” Quijano said.

HB 10312 ensures that discounts for senior citizens and PWDs will be honored even during promotions; while HB No. 10188 aims to educate seniors and their families about fraud prevention.

HB No. 10423 seeks to amend the social pension for senior citizens, providing a universal monthly grant of at least PHP1,000; and HB No. 10313 focuses on improving the eGov PH Super App for seniors, incorporating user-friendly features and linking it with the National Identification database.

With the existing and more benefits to come that aim to protect, educate, and provide them with better services, Quijano urged senior citizens to prioritize their health and live longer.

“With longevity [gift], you will have a series of gifts coming from government, 80 – PHP10,000; 85 – PHP10,000; 90 – PHP10,000; 95 – PHP10,000,” he said referring to the Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act which was signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last February. (PNA)