An ‘act’ of compassion for centenarians vetoed

My mother-in-law will turn 99 years old in August this year.  She hardly eats much and she refuses to go to restaurants or to movie houses or to grocery stores, even to malls. She walks very slowly around the house with the aid of a cane and an “alalay.” Her vision and speech are still sharp, the only manifestation of her old age is that she tends to repeat her questions. For example, every now and then she keeps asking where my son is.

President Aquino said he vetoed the Centenarian Act because the 75-percent discount, which is not tax deductible, will obliterate profit margins and mean capital loss for business establishments. How, in heaven’s name, could business establishments suffer losses when centenarians don’t enjoy going around anywhere to spend money, shop, watch a movie or eat out. I would say that their taste buds aren’t working anymore.

If and when a centenarian ever goes out, her companion will be paying her share accordingly and will not be entitled to the 75-percent discount given to her old ward. I very well agree with the author of the bill—most centenarians will be gone without a taste of its proposed benefits.

For those fortunate enough to reach 100 years old, the discount in question will not mean much anymore, simply because they could not avail themselves of it often even if they would want to. For them, what matters most is they have lived long enough to savor the company of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. That is, if they are still well, with their mental faculties still functioning properly, and they are not afflicted with the illnesses of old age, one of which is “Alzheimer’s disease,” which would make them a great burden on the part of those taking care of them.

Perhaps, President Aquino has yet to observe or interact with centenarians. Considering the fact that centenarians are in the twilight years of their lives, they feel joy in being given importance. If only for this, the Centenarian Act could have been a legacy the Aquino administration could have easily left behind.

Reaching the ripe old age of 100 years or beyond is an “achievement” by itself. Let’s have the bill refiled in the 16th Congress out of compassion for centenarians. “Lahat po tayo ay tatanda rin.”

—DR. REMA T. MANZANO,

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