QUEZON CITY. Kicking off the 20th Congress, San Pablo City Representative Loreto “Amben” S. Amante wasted no time in pushing for inclusive and compassionate legislation. He filed two key bills aimed at expanding support for Filipino senior citizens and persons with special needs.
The first proposal, House Bill No. 360, titled “An Act Granting Benefits to Filipino Septuagenarians, Amending for This Purpose Republic Act No. 11982 Which Amended Republic Act No. 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, and for Other Purposes,” seeks to lower the age requirement for receiving the Centenarian Grant from 100 to 70 years old.
Under current law, Filipino centenarians are entitled to a one-time cash gift of ₱100,000, along with a letter of felicitation from the President. Amante’s bill aims to address the reality that most elderly citizens do not live to see 100. By lowering the threshold to 70, the bill would allow more Filipino seniors to enjoy the government’s recognition and financial assistance during their later years.
House Bill No. 361, on the other hand, is titled “An Act to Establish Centers for Individuals with Special Needs (ISN) in the Country, Providing Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.” This bill mandates the creation of government-funded centers nationwide to serve as residential and care facilities for individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other cognitive or developmental conditions.
According to recent data from the Department of Health and the Autism Society Philippines, there is a growing need for inclusive facilities and long-term care solutions, particularly for indigent and abandoned persons with special needs. The proposed ISN centers would provide comprehensive services, including therapy, shelter, education, and vocational training, easing the burden on families and caregivers.
Rep. Amante emphasized that these measures reflect a broader vision of inclusive governance: “Our senior citizens and individuals with special needs deserve support and dignity. These bills are part of our commitment to a more compassionate and responsive government,” he said.
The two measures are expected to undergo committee deliberations in the coming weeks. Advocates from senior citizen groups and special needs communities have welcomed the proposals and expressed hope that Congress will act swiftly to pass them.
If enacted, both bills could mark a significant step forward in addressing social welfare gaps and ensuring that no Filipino is left behind.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
