House Committee on Human Rights Chair and Manila 6th District Representative Benny Abante Jr. welcomed the Senate’s unanimous approval of the proposed Philippine Geriatric Center Act, stressing that the measure builds on earlier action by the House of Representatives, which passed its version of the bill on third and final reading in December 2025.
The Senate voted 23-0 to approve on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1509, which seeks to establish a specialty center dedicated to comprehensive and age-appropriate health care for older Filipinos.
The House-approved National Center for Geriatric Health bill, which was passed ahead of the Christmas break, now serves as the foundation for completing the remaining legislative steps toward enacting the measure into law.
“The House acted early because we recognized the urgency of this issue,” Abante said.
“Establishing a dedicated hospital for senior citizens is a priority.”
“Long before this measure reached the Senate floor, the House had already made clear that establishing a dedicated hospital for senior citizens is a priority. The Senate’s action today affirms that this is a shared commitment,” the veteran legislator added.
The seasoned lawmaker said the House’s passage of the geriatric health measure formed part of the approval of 12 priority bills under the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
These included measures institutionalizing assistance to individuals in crisis situations, strengthening reintegration support for overseas Filipino workers, and improving access to specialized health care for the elderly.
“For many years, I have been advocating for a hospital that truly understands the unique health needs of our lolos and lolas.”
Abante, a longtime seniors’ advocate and national geriatric hospital champion, said that “for many years, I have been advocating for a hospital that truly understands the unique health needs of our lolos and lolas—one that treats them with the dignity, respect, and compassion they deserve.”
“The House took the lead in December because our seniors cannot afford further delay,” he said.
“This is not just about passing a bill—it is about delivering on a long-overdue promise to our senior citizens,” Abante concluded.
