Go lauds Philippine Geriatric Center Act Senate passage

The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill that would establish the Philippine Geriatric Center, a specialized medical facility dedicated to the healthcare needs of elderly Filipinos.

Senate Bill No. 1509, also known as the Philippine Geriatric Center Act, aims to institutionalize long-term and specialized care for senior citizens suffering from age-related conditions.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a co-sponsor of the measure, said the bill reflects the government’s responsibility to recognize the contributions of the elderly by providing accessible and affordable medical services.

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

He cited that the proposed center would complement existing laws, such as the National Commission of Senior Citizens Act (Republic Act 11350), which was signed during the Duterte administration to safeguard the welfare of older persons.

The measure also aligns with the Regional Specialty Centers Act (RA 11959), which currently integrates geriatric care into Department of Health regional hospitals. Go emphasized that the Philippine Geriatric Center would serve as a centralized, specialized institution to further strengthen that system.

“Through this Philippine Geriatric Center, we can ensure there is a facility specifically focused on the needs of our grandfathers and grandmothers,” Go said.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it can be sent to the president for signature.