TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES JUL 15 A9:37 First Regular Session RECEILIA SENATE Senate Bill No. 596 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE GERIATRIC SPECIALTY CENTERS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH-RETAINED HOSPITALS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The aging population is increasing globally, and the Philippines is no exception. The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) has projected that by 2030 our country can already be considered an aging population.' This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly in the area of healthcare for the elderly. The undersigned believes that our elderly deserve compassionate, accessible, and specialized care that respects their dignity and promotes their well-being. To address the growing needs, this bill seeks to establish geriatric specialty centers across the Philippines. It shall have the following objectives: a) To operate, administer and maintain an integrated center, which shall specialize in geriatric health services; 'https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/09/2324420/philippines-may-have-aging-population- 2030-cpd, accessed last 11 July 2025.
b) To provide and maintain quality, affordable and timely health care which prioritizes the need of senior citizens; c) To assist in the education and training of geriatricians, nurses, health officers, social workers, and other medical and technical personnel in the practical and scientific implementation of health services to the older persons; d) To facilitate and encourage the dissemination of information on the prevention, treatment and control of age-related diseases; and e) To ensure that all centers are equipped to respond to emergencies to protect and care for elderly patients. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. ERWIN T. TULFO
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 JUL 15 A9:37 ) First Regular Session RECENED SENATE Senate Bill No. 536 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE GERIATRIC SPECIALTY CENTERS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH-RETAINED HOSPITALS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title- - This Act shall be known as the
"Senior Citizens' Specialty Center Act".
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy
of the State to protect and promote the right to health of senior citizens 6 by ensuring that health services are available and accessible to them through the establishment of geriatric specialty centers that will cater to their medical needs.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
a) Geriatric health services refer to the medical services or intervention provided by a multi-disciplinary team usually headed by a Geriatrician;
b) Geriatrician refers to a medical doctor who has passed the necessary training and examination, and specializes in the field of Geriatrics; c) Geriatrics refers to the sub-specialty of Internal Medicine that aims to promote health, and to prevent and treat disabilities of older adults; d) Senior citizens or older persons refer to Filipino citizens who are at least sixty (60) years old.
SEC. 4. Geriatric Specialty Centers. - The Department of
Health (DOH) is hereby mandated to establish Geriatric Specialty Centers within DOH-retained hospitals, which shall function as the primary health care providers for senior citizens. Provided, that the scope, level, and standards of geriatric services to be rendered by these centers shall be determined by the Department of Health, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The DOH, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), shall ensure that these centers are equipped with the necessary resources, personnel, and facilities to deliver comprehensive and specialized care tailored to the needs of senior citizens or older persons.
SEC. 5. Objectives. - To carry out the provisions of this Act, the
Geriatric Specialty Centers shall have the following objectives: a) To operate, administer and maintain an integrated center, which shall specialize in geriatric health services; b) To provide and maintain quality, affordable and timely health care which prioritizes the need of senior citizens; c) To assist in the education and training of geriatricians, nurses, health officers, social workers, and other medical
and technical personnel in the practical and scientific implementation of health services to the older persons; d) To facilitate and encourage the dissemination of information on the prevention, treatment and control of age-related diseases; and e) To ensure that all centers are equipped to respond to emergencies to protect and care for elderly patients.
SEC. 6. Administration of Geriatric Specialty Centers. - The
Department of Health (DOH, in coordination with the incumbent Medical Director of the concerned DOH-retained hospital, shall oversee the establishment, operation, and management of Geriatric Specialty Centers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, specialized health care services tailored to the needs of senior citizens: a) Formulate and develop programs for the enhancement of healthcare services for older persons, including the training of geriatricians, resident doctors, nurses, health officers, social workers, and other medical and technical personnel; b) Allocate financial, technical, and human resources necessary for the effective operation of the centers, including funding, procuring medical equipment, and ensuring adequate staffing levels. c) Enter into such agreements and arrangements with other medical institutions; d) Invite foreign geriatricians and similar experts in the various medical fields not available in the country in order to train the personnel or trainees; e) Send personnel to research institutes, medical institutes or universities for advanced geriatric;
f) To do all such other acts and things as may be necessary or incidental for the accomplishment of this Act.
SEC. 7. Program for Indigents. - The Department of Health
5 (DOH) shall adopt, implement, and enforce a comprehensive program 6 specifically designed to provide accessible and affordable health care 7 services to indigent senior citizens, ensuring their inclusion in the 8 benefits and services offered by Geriatric Specialty Centers.
SEC. 8. Tax Exemptions. - Any donation, bequest and grant shall
be exempt from donor's tax and the same shall be considered as 12 allowable deduction from the gross income of the donor in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
SEC. 9. Assistance from Government Offices. - The DOH may
call upon any bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, for such assistance as it may need in the pursuit of its objectives.
SEC. 10. Annual Report. - The DOH shall render to the President
of the Philippines an annual report of its activities and recommendations.
SEC. 11. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Health shall
immediately include in the Department's programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty
(60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOH, in coordination with the DBM, shall promulgate such rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 13. Separability Clause. - Should any provision or part of
this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions
1 and parts hereof, insofar as they are separable from the invalid ones, 2 shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 14. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders,
5 proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
SEC. 15. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,