SEN. Bam Aquino is pushing the government to expand its assistance to the elderly by widening the coverage of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Senate Bill 269 proposes a P1,000 monthly social pension for senior citizens who are not receiving any pension or whose existing pension is less than P3,000.
HB 269 aims to provide elderly Filipinos with a regular and predictable source of income that can be used for food, medicine, utilities, transportation, and other daily necessities, as well as medical expenses and emergencies.
“As we grow older, it becomes more difficult to generate income. Many of our lolos and lolas face barriers to staying employed after the age of 60 due to physical limitations, age-based discrimination, or the lack of opportunities tailored to their skills,” Aquino said.
He noted that unlike irregular or informal sources of financial support, a regular pension gives senior citizens a bigger chance to manage their limited resources.
“This reduces stress, promotes better well-being, and allows older people to make personal choices about how their money is spent,” Aquino said.
He said a more adequate social pension could also reduce the financial burden on families supporting elderly relatives, particularly households already struggling with the rising costs of food, medicine and education.
“A pension can help cover food, medicine, utility bills, or transportation costs, easing the financial pressure on younger relatives who may already be juggling their own expenses,” he said.
The proposed increase is a way of recognizing the contributions of senior citizens to Philippine society, Aquino added.
“Our senior citizens have broadly contributed to the development of our nation. It is time for us to return their sacrifices by ensuring that they are cared for in their old age,” he said.
Aquino has also filed SB 2386, or the National Disability Support Act, which seeks to provide qualified persons with disabilities a P2,000 monthly disability support allowance.