Former senator and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima has called for a congressional investigation into the condition of care facilities and support systems for senior citizens in the Philippines, warning of gaps in regulation, oversight and enforcement.
De Lima filed House Resolution No. 666, urging the House of Representatives to examine the accessibility, affordability and quality of services provided to elderly Filipinos, particularly those in long-term care homes. She cited reported cases of neglect and abuse, and raised concerns about whether existing standards are being properly implemented and monitored.
“Every Filipino senior citizen deserves to live their remaining years with security, compassion, and the full measure of dignity guaranteed under the Constitution and international human rights instruments,” De Lima said.
Her resolution referenced an October 2025 incident in Northern Mindanao, where the Department of Social Welfare and Development rescued 17 senior citizens and persons with disabilities from an unlicensed facility in Bukidnon. Authorities reportedly found unsanitary conditions, safety violations, inadequate documentation and the absence of qualified caregivers. The case, she said, exposed weaknesses in licensing and inspection systems meant to protect vulnerable residents.
De Lima also pointed to broader demographic pressures. The country’s aging population is increasing as life expectancy rises and fertility declines. At the same time, urban migration and overseas employment have strained traditional family support structures, leaving more elderly Filipinos dependent on institutional care or community services.
Through the resolution, De Lima is seeking a full review of current laws, accreditation processes and monitoring mechanisms, as well as recommendations for legislative reforms to strengthen safeguards for senior citizens nationwide. The proposed inquiry aims to assess whether the state is meeting its obligation to protect one of the country’s most vulnerable sectors.
