Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

House bill filed prohibiting, defining elder abuse

Agatha Gregorio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — A bill has been filed at the House of Representatives for the defining and prohibition of elder abuse “to address the urgent and growing problem of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elderly Filipinos.”Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag filed House Bill No. 2012 or the proposed “Anti-Elder Abuse Law of 2025” on Wednesday, July 16.According to the bill, general criminal laws such as the Revised Penal Code and the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act cover elder abuse cases.But these do not take into consideration “the unique vulnerabilities of the elderly,” resulting in “doctrinal gaps, inconsistent prosecution, and insufficient prevention and support services,” the bill reads.Matibag added, she wants to prevent scenarios wherein individuals take advantage of the effects of aging on senior citizens.“I want to put deterrents to any individual, abusers, family members who would try to take advantage of the weakness and the effects of aging on our senior citizens,” Matibag told reporters.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/15/lacson-refiles-bill-penalizing-children-who-abandon-elderly-parents-1535">Lacson refiles bill penalizing children who abandon elderly parents</a></div>“Alam niyo ho, ang Pilipino ay kilala na ang ating mga pamilya ay talagang close from children up to our mga ancestors, ating mga lolo at lola. Kaya ito po ay akin na gusto maprotektahan at suportahan at bigyan ng katapusan ang pag-aabuso,” Matibag added. The congresswoman said she has seen many cases of elder abuse, including in San Pedro, Laguna.“Although we have a revised penal code na would safeguard their rights, I want lang this to really focus on the protection and the rights of our senior citizens. Marami na po sa amin sa San Pedro, marami na po tayong mga cases na ganyan… I think this is the start, and we have to really put an end to the abuse,” Matibag said. The bill also cites the constitution, which “recognizes the family’s primary duty to care for its elderly members, but explicitly allows the State to intervene through social security and other protective programs when necessary.”It also seeks to create a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of the elderly, including penalties on elder abuse.

Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag filed House Bill No. 2012, seeking to prevent scenarios wherein individuals take advantage of the effects of aging on senior citizens.

Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag filed House Bill No. 2012, seeking to prevent scenarios wherein individuals take advantage of the effects of aging on senior citizens.