Bongbong Marcos Steps In as Senior Citizens Await Delayed ₱10K Cash Gift
BONGBONG MARCOS – The long-awaited ₱10,000 cash gift for eligible senior citizens has caught the attention of President Bongbong Marcos Jr., who directed authorities to act swiftly.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate resolution of concerns involving the delayed ₱10,000 cash gift intended for qualified senior citizens under the Expanded Centenarians Act, Malacañang confirmed. The directive came after complaints from senior citizens who reportedly failed to receive the cash assistance despite being eligible for the benefit.
During a press briefing held by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Wednesday, August 26, PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro confirmed that the issue had already reached the President’s attention. According to Castro, Marcos has instructed concerned government agencies to act quickly and find a solution.
“Ito po’y nakarating sa Pangulo; at kailangan po talaga maibigay kung ano ang benepisyo na dapat na ibigay sa ating mga elderlies—lalong-lalo na ‘yong mga senior citizens dahil ‘yan naman po ay talagang kailangang maipaabot sa kanila nang mas mabilis, at sa mabilis na pamamaraan,” said Usec. Castro.
Castro also explained that the complaints had already been referred to the appropriate government bodies for action.
“So, ipinag-utos niya rin po na agaran itong solusyunan, kaya po nakatanggap po ang ARTA nga ng reklamo, at ito po ay nagkaroon ng endorsement sa Committee on Anti-Red Tape ng National Commission of Senior Citizens or NCSC noong August 25, 2026, at naka-iskedyul na po ang clarificatory meeting sa August 28, 2026, sa pagitan po ng [Anti-Red Tape Authority] ARTA, NCSC, at mga concerned local government unit—pati po ‘yong mga nagrereklamo na ating mga senior citizen.”
The meeting is expected to clarify the concerns and determine how the delayed benefits can be addressed. Castro assured the public that the government would continue working on the matter.
“So, makakaasa po ang ating mga kababayan na patuloy pong gagampanan ng pamahalaan; at ito po ay tutugunan agad ng Pangulo at ng ARTA para po maresolba ang isyu na ito,” the press officer said.
“So, ‘di po kinakailangang patagalin ang mga tulong na dapat naman pong maibigay nang mas mabilis na paraan,” Usec. Castro concluded.
Meanwhile, the NCSC reiterated the qualifications under Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act.
“REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11982: Cash Gift Benefits for Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians. ‘All Filipinos, whether residing in the Philippine or abroad, upon reaching the age of one hundred (100) years old, shall receive a cash gift of One hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000.00) and a letter of felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity,’” NCSC said.
“‘All Filipinos, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, upon reaching the ages of eighty (80), eighty-five (85), ninety (90), and ninety-five (95), shall each receive a cash gift of Ten thousand pesos (₱10,000.00)’,” it added.
With the scheduled clarificatory meeting, senior citizens and their families are now awaiting concrete action on the delayed cash gifts.
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