De Lima calls for probe of care facilities for senior citizens

A measure has been filed by House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima seeking for an inquiry into the accessibility, affordability and quality of existing support systems for senior citizens, particularly the state of standard care in homes for the aged.

The lady solon in filing House Resolution No. 666, aims to identify policy and enforcement gaps related to the reported cases of neglect and abuse of elders, and to recommend remedial legislative measures to improve the current policies and their implementation affecting elderly care facilities, including the enforcement of licensing, accreditation, and professional caregiving standards.

“Every Filipino senior citizen deserves to live their remaining years with security, compassion, and the full measure of dignity guaranteed under the Constitution and international human rights instruments,” De Lima, a staunch social justice advocate, said.

“In light of the rapid growth of the aging population, rising cases of elder abuse and abandonment, and the alarming existence of unlicensed and substandard homes for the aged that endanger the well-being of older persons, there is a compelling need for the State to strengthen its approach to health and social development by ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality long-term care services, establishing and enforcing strict standards of care in elderly care facilities, and supporting families and caregivers,” she added.

Based on the second report of the Longitudinal Study of Aging and Health in the Philippines (LSAHP Wave 2), the Philippines is projected to transition into an aging society by 2030, driven by declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy – a trend that underscores the urgency of strengthening the accessibility and reliability of the country’s healthcare, social protection, and social security systems.

A 2024 study of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) entitled “Dignity in Aging: Exploring the Multidimensional Nature of Filipinos’ Concept of Rights of Older Persons”, also highlighted the “critical need for improved social support systems, pension reforms, and enhanced accessibility to services to bolster the dignity and well-being of older Filipinos.”

“Filipino culture has long placed a high value on strong family ties, with the responsibility of caring for elderly family members traditionally borne by younger generations. However, modern realities such as urban migration, overseas employment, and the pressures of contemporary work-life balance have strained these familial support systems, leaving many older persons isolated, neglected, or abandoned, particularly in urban areas,” the Resolution read.

“Studies on abandoned senior citizens in the home for the aged in the Philippines indicate that there are now a significant number of older persons who choose to reside in homes for the aged primarily due to neglect in their own households, even as they continue to express a deep longing to live with, and be reunited with their children. They opt to leave  out of concern that they may become a burden to their children," it added.

The Resolution also cited an October 2025 incident in which the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Northern Mindanao rescued seventeen (17) senior citizens and persons with disabilities from an unlicensed care facility in Maramag, Bukidnon, citing unsanitary conditions, occupational safety violations, serious health risks, inadequate case management and documentation, and the absence of qualified caregivers – stressing the need for stronger regulation and oversight of elderly care facilities.

“There is a clear and urgent need for stronger government support in providing and promoting long-term care services and regulated institutional living arrangements for older persons, especially for those who have no one to take care of them. Iparamdam nating hindi sila nag-iisa; may Estado at lipunang kumakalinga at nagmamalasakit sa kanila,” the former CHR Chairperson pointed out.

De Lima, a senior citizen herself, added: “Aging comes with countless challenges. Darating po sa punto na tayo ay tatanda, manghihina, at mangangailangan ng kalinga. Bilang pagtupad sa obligasyon ng Estado at pagpapahalaga sa mahalagang ambag ng mga nakatatanda, dapat lang na siguruhin na sapat at de-kalidad ang serbisyo ng mga institusyon para sa kanila upang patuloy na mamuhay nang may dignidad.”

During her stint as Senator, De Lima played a vital role – as principal author and sponsor – in the passage of Republic Act No. 11350 or the “National Commission of Senior Citizens Act”, which aims to guarantee the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of millions of senior citizens.