Centenarians stand to benefit from new bill

CENTENARIANS can soon avail themselves of 75 percent discount on goods and services once the proposed House Bill (HB) 834 or the "Centenarians Act" is ratified in Congress.

Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, the bill's main proponent, said around 7,000 living Filipino centenarians will benefit from the proposed law.

Under the bill, a Filipino who reaches the 100 years of age is entitled to a cash gift of P100,000 from the National Government and such other cash rewards, which concerned local government units may optionally grant.

The Senate adopted Monday Lagman's bill with minor amendments; including the increase from 50 percent to 75 percent the discount on goods and services, which centenarians could avail themselves of.

"Living to be a centenarian, or three decades past the life expectancy is therefore an achievement and a distinction worthy of emulation and public recognition," Lagman said earlier.

The Senate also introduced an amendment, which tasks a National Committee to validate the true birth year of a centenarian applicant and release the centenarian gift of P100,000 within 30 days from the said validation. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)