DAVAO CITY, August 18, 2026 – The Committee on Social Services and Development has commenced deliberations on BTA Bill No. 121, or the Bangsamoro Commission for Senior Citizens Act of 2022, following a series of public hearings on the proposed measure.
Lawmakers reviewed a comparative matrix of the bill’s 15 sections, examining its original provisions alongside the issues raised during the hearings and the recommendations submitted by various stakeholders.
They also discussed how the proposed commission would share and coordinate its responsibilities with existing Bangsamoro ministries and national government agencies.
The bill seeks to establish a mechanism within the Bangsamoro Government to ensure the effective implementation of laws, policies, and programs for senior citizens, protect their rights, and strengthen coordination with local government units and regional agencies.
It also proposes three key programs, including the Bangsamoro Social Pension, which would provide indigent senior citizens with a monthly allowance of at least ₱1,000; Centenarian Benefits, which would grant a ₱100,000 incentive to individuals who reach the age of 100; and Bangsamoro Social Safety Nets, which would provide assistance such as food, medicine, and financial support for the repair of homes damaged by disasters and calamities.
During the deliberations, Committee Vice Chair and Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito expressed his support for measures that would strengthen the welfare of senior citizens in the Bangsamoro while emphasizing the need to assess and improve existing systems before creating new structures.
“I fully support our responsibility to protect and promote the welfare of our senior citizens in the Bangsamoro. Upon hearing the insights and recommendations presented during the hearings, including proposals for Parliament to exercise oversight over concerned ministries and offices, and for the Committee Secretariat to consolidate and forward these recommendations to the principal author, I would like to suggest that we first examine and strengthen the existing mechanisms already mandated to serve them,” Benito said.
“If the problem lies in implementation, coordination, funding, or accessibility, then let us address those gaps directly to ensure that every senior citizen actually receives the services and benefits intended for them,” he added.
According to lawmakers, the proposed measure requires further study, particularly on the advantages and potential challenges of creating a separate office, its powers and functions, its coordination with national government agencies, and the mechanisms that would ensure the proper alignment of the work of ministries, offices, and institutions responsible for addressing the concerns of senior citizens.
Meanwhile, the bill’s author, Member of Parliament Kadil Sinolinding Jr., commended the committee’s efforts to further refine the measure. He expressed optimism that the bill would emerge stronger and more effective after taking into consideration the issues and recommendations raised during the public hearings.
