After originally vetoing the Centenarians Act in 2013, incumbent President Benigno Aquino has signed RA 10868 or The Centenarians Act of 2016, a week before his administration ends.
The Centenarians Act of 2016 provides that all Filipinos who reach the age of 100 will receive a letter of felicitation signed by the President, and will also be granted a P100,000 cash gift, whether they are residing here or abroad.
Aquino originally vetoed the law in 2013 for its questionable provision that requires businesses to grant a 75-percent discount on goods and services for those aged 100 and older. According to the President, the 75-percent discount was too heavy a rate for businesses to shoulder.
The version of the bill signed into law no longer contains that provision.
Aside from the felicitation letter and P100,000 cash gift, centenarians will awarded with a plaque of recognition and additional cash gift from their respective city or municipal governments during the National Respect for Centenarians Day, held on September 25 every year.
Do you know anyone who’s 100 years old or older? What are your thoughts on this?
