President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law measures providing financial benefits to senior citizens and incentives for high-quality Filipino products. Under Republic Act No. 11982, Filipino citizens reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 will receive a P10,000 cash gift, amending the previous Centenarians Act of 2016. Concurrently, the Tatak Pinoy Act aims to elevate and globalize Philippine-made products by offering substantial support and incentives.
President Marcos highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of the elderly, stating, “To our active 80-somethings and lively 90-somethings, the expanded Centenarians Act confers upon you the thanks of a grateful nation that you have made strong and stable through your labors.” This gesture reflects a deep-seated respect and gratitude towards the senior members of the Filipino community.
The amendment aims not only to provide financial assistance but also to encourage the development of senior citizen-friendly infrastructure. Marcos emphasized, “They deserve more than cash in an envelope. What they should get is a support infrastructure that every society owes to its greying population.”
Acknowledging the logistical challenges of implementing the new law without a designated budget, officials suggested utilizing savings or unprogrammed funds, with the Department of Budget and Management overseeing the proper allocation of these resources.
Parallel to supporting the elderly, the Tatak Pinoy Act (RA 11981) seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Philippine products on the global stage. By establishing the Tatak Pinoy Council, the law prioritizes domestic products in various economic activities and streamlines processes for local businesses to thrive. President Marcos expressed confidence in Filipino talent and ingenuity, stating, “The Tatak Pinoy Act is about investing in Filipino competence and talent. That genius and gift must be supported, not by exhortation alone but by true, tangible support.”
