Press Release
February 7, 2019

Trillanes sponsors bill creating new commission for senior citizens

With the passage of Senate Bill No. 2159, also known as "The National Commission of Senior Citizens Act," on third and final reading, Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV assures the senior citizens that there will soon be a national government agency that is solely dedicated to look after their welfare and advocate their interests.

The bill seeks to create a National Commission for Senior Citizens, a separate body under the Office of the President.

Trillanes, principal sponsor of the said measure, explained during his sponsorship speech that the population of the country will soon be aging, as the Population Commission projected that the senior citizens in the country in 2018 could be 8 percent of the total population and could reach 15.3% by 2050.

Trillanes said: "With the population of the country aging within the next few decades, it is incumbent upon the present national leaders to prepare for such a scenario. The creation of the commission could be a good start, as we would now have a policymaking body that's focused solely on dealing with senior citizens' concerns now and in the future."

Under the proposed measure, the functions of the said commission will include: ensuring the full implementation of laws, policies and programs for the elderly; formulating policies for the promotion and protection of their rights and well-being; conducting information and education campaigns to raise awareness of senior citizens' rights; and representing the Philippines in international functions, forums and other conferences involving senior citizens.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senator Bam Aquino and Senator Leila De Lima are authors of the bill.

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