President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the immediate distribution of cash incentives for elderly Filipinos following complaints regarding delays in the process.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that Malacañang acted after learning about a grievance submitted by senior citizens to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
She noted that the Chief Executive instructed ARTA to address the issue, which was filed against the National Commission on Senior Citizens.
“Ito po ay nakarating sa Pangulo at kailangan po talaga maibigay kung ano ang benepisyo na dapat ibigay sa ating mga elderlies lalung-lalo na iyong mga senior citizens dahil iyan naman po ay talagang kailangang maipaabot sa kanila nang mas mabilis at sa mabilis na pamamaraan,” Castro said.
Under the Expanded Centenarians Act, Filipino citizens reaching milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 are eligible to receive a ₱10,000 cash grant, while individuals turning 100 years old are entitled to a ₱100,000 incentive.