By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) to immediately distribute the P10,000 cash gifts for qualified beneficiaries under Republic Act (RA) No. 11982 or the Expanded Centenarian Act.
This, as the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) received complaints involving unreleased cash gifts for eligible senior citizens, which Malacañang said has already reached President Marcos Jr.
“Ito po ay nakarating sa Pangulo at kailangan po talagang maibigay kung ano ang benepisyo na dapat ibigay sa ating mga elderlies lalong-lalo na iyong mga senior citizens dahil iyan naman po ay talagang kailangang maipaabot sa kanila nang mas mabilis at sa mabilis na pamamaraan,” Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a public briefing Wednesday.
According to Usec. Castro, ARTA endorsed the complaints to the Committee on Anti-Red Tape of the NCSC on Aug. 25.
A clarificatory meeting among ARTA, NCSC, concerned local government units, and the complaining senior citizens is scheduled on Aug. 28.
“So, hindi po kinakailangan patagalin ang mga tulong na dapat naman pong maibigay nang mas mabilis na paraan,” Usec. Castro said.
Under RA 11982, all Filipinos, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, upon reaching the age of 100 years old, shall receive a cash gift of P100,000.00 and a letter of felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity.
Additionally, all Filipinos, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, shall each receive a cash gift of P10,000.00.
