Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. added to the vibrant atmosphere of the Panagbenga 2024 Grand Parade in Baguio over the weekend, joining the festivities alongside the cast of his hit sitcom Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis.
Riding a grand float adorned with flowers, the Senator and his leading lady, Beauty Gonzalez, exuded joy and energy, even engaging the crowd with a popular TikTok dance.
The following day, Monday, the actor-politician participated in a historic meeting at Malacañang Palace where President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. signed into law the bill proposed by the senator. This law grants benefits to Filipino octogenarians and nonagenarians, in addition to centenarians. Revilla authored the bill, the first he introduced during the current congress.
“This day is both joyful and historic as we attend the ceremonial signing by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. of our first proposal submitted at the opening of the 19th Congress – the Centenarian Act amendment,” Revilla said in the vernacular.
“The signed Republic Act No. 11982, which we first introduced during the 18th Congress, is a wonderful gift for our grandparents who will now receive additional cash gifts upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95,” he added.
Senator Bong hailed PBBM for enacting his primary proposal to amend the Centenarians Law.
“This was my promise to the Filipino elders, and I’m proud to say that I have fulfilled it. Finally, others among them will also benefit, not just those reaching a hundred years old,” he said.
Under what is now dubbed the “Revilla Law” in honor of Senator Revilla, Jr., all Filipinos reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 will receive a cash gift amounting to P10,000, while those reaching the age of 100 will continue to receive P100,000.
Revilla explained that the aim of the new law is to provide cash benefits to Filipino elders at an earlier age so they can enjoy it more.
“The purpose of this law is to expedite the provision of benefits to our grandparents. They no longer need to reach 100 years old just to receive a cash gift from our government. At 80, we will already give it to them. At 85, 90, and 95, we will give it to them again. And if the Lord allows them to reach a hundred years, we will give them a larger amount as recognition of their achievement,” he said.
“As the saying goes, ‘Why wait until the horse is dead before cutting the grass.’ So as long as they are still alive, let us make them feel the appreciation and love of this government. And that is through the early provision of the financial gift they desire. That is a big thing for them, especially since they also have needs and expenses for medicine, vitamins, supplements, food, and more,” the senator added.
To effectively implement the provisions of the Act, an Elderly Data Management System will be maintained by the National Commission on Senior Citizens to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits they are entitled to.
“Included in our law is the establishment of a database to ensure that no one is forgotten in receiving benefits. With all the things our elders have done for our country, we should ensure that they receive all the honor and benefits they deserve,” he explained.
Revilla first filed the measure at the start of the 18th Congress in 2019 but failed to become law despite the senator’s efforts.
“This is not where our efforts end to give more value, recognition, and love to our grandpas and grandmas. We have many proposals to push for passage. This is just the beginning of a new fight – a fight for the continuous upliftment of their welfare,” Revilla concluded.