Senate passes Philippine Geriatric Center Act for elderly Filipinos

The Senate passed on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1509, or the Philippine Geriatric Center Act, which establishes a specialized tertiary hospital and research institute dedicated to strengthening health services for senior citizens.

The bill seeks to establish the Philippine Geriatric Center, a specialized tertiary hospital that will provide comprehensive health care services for senior citizens, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, wellness, and long-term care.

The proposed measure also envisions the facility as a training and research hub for health professionals specializing in geriatric care and as part of the country’s Universal Health Care system, with priority given to indigent and low-income elderly patients.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, was elated with the passage of the resolution with a 23-0 vote.

“Magiging mas madali ng matupad ang good health at long life na lagi nating wini-wish tuwing birthday ng ating mga lolo’t lola dahil sa pagpasa ng Philippine Geriatric Center (PGC) Act,” Hontiveros said of the approval of Senate Bill No. 1509.

“Maraming salamat sa aking mga kasama sa Senado at muli kaming nagkaisa para sa isa na namang ‘happy bill’ para sa ating mga kababayan, partikular na ang ating mga senior citizens,” she added.

Hontiveros said she hopes that the bill will be enacted into law as soon as possible, especially since a version of the proposal passed the House of Representatives in December 2025, has been identified by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council as a priority measure, and is included in the Department of Health's executive agenda for legislation.

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the growing healthcare needs of senior citizens and the importance of providing them with a dedicated medical facility that addresses age-related conditions requiring long-term and specialized care.

As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and as one of the authors and a co-sponsor of the bill, Go underscored his direct legislative involvement in the measure, stating that his support for the bill is rooted in a long-standing policy position favoring improved access to health services for senior citizens.

He described the bill as a reflection of institutional responsibility toward elderly Filipinos and recognition of their contributions to society.

“Bilang isa po sa mga may akda ng panukalang batas na ito, nakasuporta po ako palagi sa adhikain na mapabuti ang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa ating mga nakatatanda,” he said.

He further explained that the proposed PGC represents a concrete expression of concern for senior citizens, particularly in ensuring that they receive medical care that is not only available but also affordable and properly managed.

Go then outlined the medical realities confronting elderly individuals, noting that advanced age often brings with it chronic health conditions that progressively limit physical and cognitive function. He pointed out that these conditions necessitate comprehensive medical interventions that are sustained over long periods.

“Elderly individuals often suffer from chronic illnesses due to their advanced age. Their conditions often manifest in functional decline and cognitive impairments which require long-term care, rehabilitation, and palliative services,” he said.

-Paraluman News