Manila, Feb. 2 -- The Senate on Monday approved a measure seeking to establish the Philippine Geriatric Center (PGC), a specialized tertiary hospital aimed at strengthening health services for senior citizens and the country's growing aging population.

Senate Bill 1509 was approved with 23 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and no abstentions.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said the proposed center seeks to respond to the growing healthcare needs of older Filipinos.

"Hindi natin maikakailang habang humahaba ang buhay, posibleng dumarami rin ang ating mga karamdaman (We cannot deny that as life becomes longer, illnesses may also increase)," she said, citing conditions such as diabetes, dementia, and arthritis.

Hontiveros also pointed to ...