Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed Senate Bill No. 1423 to establish nursing homes for abandoned and neglected senior citizens across the country, emphasizing the need for “a compassionate, provincial and citywide system of elder care.”
Citing the State’s constitutional duty to prioritize the welfare of the underprivileged, elderly, sick, and disabled, Hontiveros said the measure seeks to address the continuing neglect of many Filipino seniors who “continue to live in conditions of neglect, poverty, and isolation.”
She pointed out that the situation is especially dire in provinces and cities where access to institutional care and social support remains “limited or non-existent.”
Under the proposed bill, local government units will be mandated to establish, operate, and maintain nursing homes that provide residential care, medical and psychosocial services, wellness programs, and avenues for community engagement for senior citizens.
To ensure quality and accountability, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), will set minimum standards for facilities, staffing, service delivery, and safety. All nursing homes must secure accreditation from the DSWD before operation and will undergo inspections and performance audits every two years.
The DSWD will also be empowered to suspend or revoke the accreditation of facilities that fail to meet standards. Both the DSWD and DOH will provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to local governments to ensure proper management and sustainability of these facilities.
“By institutionalizing a compassionate, provincial and citywide system of elder care, this proposed measure upholds the dignity, well-being and rights of our senior citizens — ensuring that no elderly Filipino is left behind,” Hontiveros said.
