The Senate has approved on third reading Senate Bill No. 1509, also known as the Philippine Geriatric Center Act, a measure aimed at strengthening and institutionalizing specialized healthcare services for elderly Filipinos.
Senator 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,” the veteran legislator said.
The seasoned lawmaker 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.
“Ang Philippine Geriatric Center Bill ay malinaw na patunay ng ating malasakit at pagkilala sa mahalagang papel ng mga senior citizens sa ating Lipunan.”
“Ang Philippine Geriatric Center Bill ay malinaw na patunay ng ating malasakit at pagkilala sa mahalagang papel ng mga senior citizens sa ating lipunan at ng ating responsibilidad na tiyaking sila ay may access sa dekalidad, abot-kaya, at maayos na serbisyong medical,” the senator stressed.
He 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,” Go noted.
In situating the bill within the country’s existing legal framework, he emphasized that the Philippine Geriatric Center Act complements laws already enacted to protect senior citizens.
Go cited Republic Act No. 11350, or the National Commission of Senior Citizens Act, which was passed during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte and established a dedicated government agency tasked with safeguarding the welfare of older persons.
“The law established a primary government agency mandated to safeguard the welfare and promote the interests of senior citizens.”
“Mr. President, the passage of this measure complements Republic Act No. 11350, or the National Commission of Senior Citizens Act, which was enacted during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The law established a primary government agency mandated to safeguard the welfare and promote the interests of senior citizens,” he said.
Go also linked the measure to RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, noting that the creation of specialty centers within Department of Health hospitals already includes provisions for geriatric specialty care. According to him, the PGC would further strengthen this system by providing a centralized institution solely dedicated to elderly patients.
“This is also in line with RA 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act which established specialty centers in DOH hospitals including geriatric specialty care centers,” he explained.
Go concluded by stressing that the establishment of a PGC would ensure the existence of a facility specifically designed to address the medical needs of senior citizens, reinforcing the State’s role in providing age-appropriate health care services.
“Sa pamamagitan po ng Philippine Geriatric Center na ito ay masisiguro natin na magkakaroon ng isang pasilidad na nakatuon po sa pangangailangan ng ating mga lolo at lola,” he concluded.
