Senate Approves Specialty Hospital for Senior Citizens
The Senate approves the Philippine Geriatric Center Act, paving the way for a specialty hospital dedicated to senior citizens.
Published on Feb 3, 2026
Good news for families caring for aging parents and grandparents. The Senate has approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1509, or the Philippine Geriatric Center (PGC) Act, paving the way for the establishment of a specialty hospital dedicated to senior citizens.
The measure passed on February 3, 2026 with a unanimous 23-0 vote.
About the Philippine Geriatric Center
The proposed Philippine Geriatric Center is envisioned as a dedicated medical facility that will provide long-term and age-appropriate care for older Filipinos. Services are expected to include rehabilitation, palliative care, and treatment for chronic conditions that often come with aging.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who filed and sponsored the bill, said the measure aims to make quality healthcare more accessible for elderly Filipinos, many of whom require sustained and specialized medical attention.
“Magiging mas madali ng matupad ang good health at long life na lagi nating wini-wish tuwing birthday ng ating mga lolo’t lola dahil sa pagpasa ng Philippine Geriatric Center Act,” Hontiveros said.
The bill now awaits enactment into law. The House of Representatives passed its version in December 2025, and the measure has been identified as a priority by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council. It is also included on the Department of Health’s legislative agenda.
The Senate-approved bill includes several amendments aimed at making sure the center truly serves senior citizens. One amendment requires the Philippine Geriatric Center to be built, fully equipped, and operational within five to seven years to prevent it from becoming an underutilized government project.
Another amendment ensures that indigent and low-income senior citizens, as well as other vulnerable aging populations, will be prioritized. Additional provisions require age-friendly facilities and the integration of social welfare and protection programs with medical care.
The measure also requires that the head of the Philippine Geriatric Center be a licensed physician with experience in both geriatric care and hospital management, helping ensure that the facility is led by someone who understands the unique needs of older patients.
Once enacted, advocates say the Philippine Geriatric Center could help ease the caregiving burden on families, while giving older Filipinos access to dignified and specialized healthcare.
Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.