Social Welfare and Development Acting Secretary Celia Capadocia-Yangco hailed the enactment  into law of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and thanked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for signing it.

"The signing of R A 9994 demonstrates that the Arroyo government puts premium in alleviating the plight of the elderly sector who have contributed much in nation building during the prime of their lives," Acting Secretary Yangco said.

Approximately five million senior citizens will benefit from the law.

Acting Secretary Yangco added that older persons can now enjoy the full 20 percent discount in all their medical, food and recreation needs as well as fares in land, air, and sea transportation which they need most to live life to the fullest.

The other benefit under the law which is the monthly pension of P500 will go a long way especially for indigent seniors who are not pensioners or who have no source of income.

The DSWD, being the chair of the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board (NCMB) which monitors the implementation of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, will ensure the smooth implementation of the law.

Secretary Yangco has already given instructions regarding the immediate crafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations. ### (DSWD-Social Marketing Service) February 19, 2010.