President Bongbong Marcos has ordered the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) to immediately release the ₱10,000 cash gifts owed to qualified elderly Filipinos under the Expanded Centenarians Act following complaints over delayed payouts.
Malacañang said concerns raised by senior citizens had reached the President, prompting him to direct government agencies to resolve the delays and ensure beneficiaries receive the assistance they are legally entitled to.
“Hindi po kinakailangan patagalin ang mga tulong na dapat naman pong maibigay nang mas mabilis na paraan,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
The issue gained attention after eight senior citizens from Barangay Marilag in Quezon City filed complaints with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) on August 24 over the delayed release of their benefits. The complainants, aged 80 to 85, raised concerns that some elderly beneficiaries could die before receiving their cash gifts.
Under Republic Act No. 11982, Filipinos who reach the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90 and 95 are each entitled to a ₱10,000 cash gift. Those who reach 100 years old are entitled to ₱100,000 and a congratulatory letter from the President. The benefits cover qualified Filipinos living in the Philippines and abroad.
ARTA endorsed the complaints to the NCSC’s anti-red tape committee on August 25. A clarificatory meeting involving ARTA, the NCSC, concerned local government units and the complainants is scheduled for August 28.
Castro assured senior citizens that the President’s directive would be acted on immediately as the government moves to address the delays in distributing the mandated benefits.
