With a view to boosting assistance to more senior citizens, Senator Bam Aquino wants to expand the coverage of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and increase the monthly social pension for qualified senior citizens to P1,000.
Aquino’s Senate Bill No. 269 seeks to provide a P1,000 monthly social pension to senior citizens who do not receive a social pension or who receive a pension of no more than P3,000, giving them a regular and predictable source of income they can use for everyday expenses, medical needs, 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,’ he explained.
‘Unlike irregular or informal sources of support, a pension allows recipients to manage their resources with more certainty. This reduces stress, promotes better well-being, and allows older people to make personal choices about how their money is spent,’ he added.
Aquino pointed out that a reliable social pension can also ease the financial burden on families who may already be struggling with their own everyday expenses, such as food, medicine, and educational needs.
‘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 explained.
Aquino said the proposed increase is also a way of recognizing the contributions of senior citizens to the country.
‘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 emphasized.
Senate Bill No. 269 is part of Aquino’s 10 ‘Panukalang Batas para sa Abot-Kayang Pamumuhay,’ which seek to provide immediate relief and support to ordinary citizens burdened by high prices, costly health services, low wages, and inadequate government support.
Aquino, likewise, filed Senate Bill No. 2386, or the National Disability Support Act, providing qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs) a P2,000 monthly disability support allowance) to help cover disability-related costs and other essential expenses.