Pacquiao wants P1 million for 101-year-old Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Manny Pacquiao wants to amend the Centenarians Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10868) to “grant Filipinos who reach 101 years old a cash incentive of P1 million.” The law currently provides centenarians P100,000 on their birthday.

The Promdi presidential candidate made the vow after he met and discovered the “miserable plight” of 101-year-old Jungle Serrano – an Aeta grandfather at the Katutubo Village in Porac town in Pampanga, where he campaigned.

He called on his fellow senators to pass their version of the proposed amendments to the Centenarian Law, where its counterpart bill in the House of Representatives has been approved on third and final reading.

The House bill also provided for the release by government of P25,000 to a senior citizen when he reaches the age of 80, 85, 90 and 95.

“I hope the Senate will have time to either fast-track final reading approval of the bill or simply adopt the House version when session resumes in May,” the global Filipino boxing icon and billionaire said.

At the same time, Pacquiao called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development to swiftly review centenarians’ applications for the P100,000 cash benefit as provided under the law.

“I hope we can give relief to people like Lolo Jungle. It will definitely be a big help for them if they receive a cash incentive which they can use for their medical needs and maintenance medicines,” he said.

Lolo Jungle, who has six children and 20 grandchildren and great grandchildren, told Pacquiao that he has yet to receive RA 10868 benefits because his case is still under verification.

Like many members of cultural minorities, Lolo Jungle’s birth records could not be confirmed from civil registry records.

Pacquiao said he wanted to give Serrano his own money but he must abide by election laws that prohibit candidates from distributing money to voters.

Following a press briefing where Serrano approached the senator, Pacquiao immediately directed a senior staff member to follow up the centenarian’s case with the DSWD, saying that this should be given utmost priority. – Neil Jayson Servallos