President Marcos signs "Tatak Pinoy Act" into law

By Lily Gut President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signs into law Republic Act 11981, or the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, and RA 11982, gr...

By Lily Gut

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signs into law Republic Act 11981, or the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, and RA 11982, granting benefits to octogenarians and nonagenarians at Malacañan Palace's Ceremonial Hall on Monday (Feb. 26, 2024). (Screenshot from RTVM)

MANILA – In a move to bolster Filipino businesses and national identity, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act (RA) 11981, the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, on Monday.

"These laws are a testament to our commitment to uplifting vital sectors of our society," the President declared during the signing ceremony at Malacañan Palace. "They embody the values of Bagong Pilipinas as we strive to build a stronger, more prosperous nation."



The Tatak Pinoy Act represents a direct investment in Filipino ingenuity. President Marcos emphasized that this law goes beyond slogans, providing tangible resources and support to cultivate Filipino talent. It aims to elevate Philippine goods and services to a global stage, promoting diversification and increased competitiveness.

The President underscored that the "Made in the Philippines" trademark, incentivized through this act, is synonymous with Filipino craftsmanship and excellence. It serves as a badge of honor, reserved for products that meet the highest standards, and will drive national pride and a preference for locally-made goods.

Cong. Tan Celebrates Passage of Tatak Pinoy Act

House Assistant Majority Leader 4th District Congressman Attorney Mike Tan, a key supporter of the Tatak Pinoy Act, expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for signing the legislation.

"The Tatak Pinoy Act will propel world-class Filipino businesses onto the global stage," Tan stated. "It's about rallying Filipinos behind our homegrown enterprises, inspiring community businesses to strive for excellence, and ultimately driving economic prosperity to improve the lives of our people."

The Congressman underscored the synergy between the new law and his own "3PK Bida Bida Youth" program, which fosters youth entrepreneurship and supports MSMEs.

"The Tatak Pinoy Act is a major step towards instilling pride in Philippine-made products and opening doors globally for the talent and innovation of Filipinos," Tan concluded.

Senators Champion Expanded Centenarians Act

Alongside RA 11982, President Marcos Jr. also enacted amendments to the Centenarians Act of 2016. These amendments expand financial support for the elderly, granting monetary benefits to octogenarians and nonagenarians.

Under this law, Filipino senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 95, both within the Philippines and abroad, will receive a PHP10,000 cash incentive at each age milestone. Upon reaching 100 years old, they will continue to receive PHP100,000.

President Marcos highlighted how these amendments reflect Filipino values of compassion and respect for the elderly. However, he emphasized that financial support alone is not enough. "They deserve more than cash in an envelope," he stated.

"Every society owes its growing elderly population a robust support infrastructure. Close to 10 million Filipinos were senior citizens two years ago, and as this demographic expands, the facilities and services that cater to them must also grow." he added.

Senators expressed confidence that the recently signed Expanded Centenarians Act will significantly benefit senior citizens in the Philippines.

"This is incredibly important as many elderly Filipinos need assistance with medicine, vitamins, supplements, food, and other necessities," said Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., the law's author.

Revilla, who originally filed the bill during the 18th Congress, explained that the expanded law provides cash benefits to octogenarians and nonagenarians, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labor. His advocacy doesn't end here; Revilla pledged to continue fighting for a broader expansion of senior citizen discounts and VAT exemptions, as well as lowering the age threshold for senior citizen status to 56.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian echoed these sentiments, praising the expansion of the Centenarians Act. "This law recognizes the immense contributions our elders have made to society," Gatchalian said. "It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to honor every generation and uplift the well-being of our senior citizens."

House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo thanked President Marcos for his compassion and focus on the elderly, noting that the signing of RA 11982 is a direct reflection of that commitment. "Our senior citizens will rejoice over these additional benefits," Tulfo concluded.