A Quezon City–based senior citizens organization has called on the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) to immediately address what it described as recurring and unjustified delays in the release of the ₱10,000 cash gifts mandated by law for elderly Filipinos reaching milestone birthdays.

The Marilag Senior Citizens Association (MSCA), which has over 1,200 members, raised the issue in the wake of a recent controversy involving the non-release of the ₱100,000 cash gift due to four Aeta senior citizens who turned 100 as far back as two years ago.

Under Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarian Act of 2024, senior citizens who reach the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 are each entitled to a ₱10,000 cash gift on their birthday, while centenarians remain entitled to ₱100,000.

In a letter addressed to NCSC Chairperson Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez, MSCA President Benjamin Rosario disclosed that several association members have yet to receive their cash benefits despite having filed complete claims well in advance of their milestone birthdays.

The MSCA said that, in a resolution adopted on January 17, it has confirmed the existence of “undue delays in the processing and release” of cash gifts for qualified senior citizens.

The organization strongly criticized the NCSC’s practice of delayed, simultaneous mass payouts, stressing that such a system runs counter to the clear intent of the law, which requires the release of benefits on or immediately after the beneficiary’s milestone birthday.

The group also warned that prolonged delays are deeply unfair and dangerous, noting that many beneficiaries are already of advanced age, face serious health risks, or may pass away before receiving the benefits rightfully due to them.

Moreover, the MSCA reminded the NCSC that lengthy processing periods violate the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007, which mandates government agencies to simplify procedures, reduce bureaucratic delays, and deliver fast, efficient, and transparent public service.

The senior citizens group urged the NCSC to immediately streamline and expedite the processing and release of milestone and centenarian cash gifts, and called on local government units and all concerned agencies to strictly comply with both the Expanded Centenarian Act and ARTA.