Go files bill to create hospital, research hub for Filipino senior citizens

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed Senate Bill No. 411 at the start of the 20th Congress, seeking to create a dedicated institution for the care of the country’s growing elderly population.

Through the proposed measure filed in the Senate on July 9, Go aims to establish the Philippine Senior Citizens Hospital and Research Institute (PSCHRI) — a tertiary specialty hospital under the direct supervision of the Department of Health (DOH) — that would serve as the national center for geriatric healthcare and research if enacted into law.

“I want to protect the lives of our grandparents. It’s already part of our Filipino culture to take care of our elders. We must support and give them recognition,” Go said.

In his explanatory note, Go emphasized the urgent need for specialized care for senior citizens, citing projections from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that the elderly population is expected to exceed 14 million by 2030.

“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.

Go acknowledged the presence of the Dr. Eva Macaraeg-Macapagal National Center for Geriatric Health (DEMMNCGH), but pointed out that it is not a stand-alone facility, operating under the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

“While the Dr. Eva Macaraeg-Macapagal National Center for Geriatric Health exists, it is not a stand-alone hospital dedicated to senior citizens since it’s under the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center. Given this, limitations in the health services offered by the DEMMNCGH exist,” he explained.

Go’s proposal aligns with his broader health reform advocacy and supports existing laws such as Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, and RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.

“This bill seeks to establish a dedicated senior citizens’ hospital to be known as the Philippine Senior Citizens Hospital and Research Institute to provide comprehensive, dedicated care for senior citizens, promote geriatric research and training, and serve as a national model for elder care,” he added.

Titled the "Senior Citizens’ Hospital Act of 2025", the bill states that the PSCHRI will deliver specialized care tailored to the unique needs of aging individuals and promote research and training in geriatric medicine.

“To our grandparents, I love you very much and I will continue to advocate for your welfare in the Senate. My office is open to you all. Don’t hesitate to approach us,” he assured.

The proposed law includes key provisions such as appointing a licensed physician with at least five years of hospital administration experience as Medical Center Chief, to be designated by the Health Secretary.

The hospital will provide affordable, timely, and people-centered hospital care for the elderly and will collaborate with LGUs, other government agencies, and relevant stakeholders to enhance geriatric services.

If passed, the hospital will also act as a national resource hub for setting standards in geriatric wards, assisting nursing homes, and enhancing senior-focused services in health facilities, as mandated under RA 9994.

The PSCHRI will also lead research studies on aging-related diseases, converting findings into policies and medical solutions.

Go said this initiative would coordinate with the Philippine Council on Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and the Institute on Aging under the National Institutes of Health (IA-NIH).

In addition, the PSCHRI will maintain a centralized hub for geriatric studies, work with local and international institutions, and take part in congresses, seminars, and workshops focused on elderly care.

To streamline coordination, the PSCHRI will work closely with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and may call on other government agencies for support in its mandate.

This proposal is part of Go’s continuing push to strengthen healthcare access for vulnerable groups, especially the elderly, by institutionalizing a facility and research center focused on their specific needs.

“To our senior citizens, you can count on me not to stop creating laws and programs that will improve your lives. I will continue to be your voice in the Senate to make sure no Filipino is left behind. Because that’s my ‘addiction’ — serving my fellow Filipinos,” Go declared.

Senator Go has long championed legislation for senior citizens. Among his key accomplishments is co-authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act No. 11982, granting a P10,000 cash gift to seniors upon reaching ages 80, 85, 90, and 95 — years before turning 100.

He also co-authored Republic Act No. 11916, which amended the Expanded Senior Citizens Act to increase the monthly social pension for indigent elderly Filipinos.