Senator Bam Aquino is pushing for a higher monthly social pension for senior citizens, proposing that qualified elderly Filipinos receive P1,000 a month.
Aquino’s Senate Bill No. 269 seeks to expand the coverage of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and provide regular financial assistance to seniors who do not receive a pension or whose pension does not exceed P3,000.
The senator said the extra money could help seniors pay for basic needs such as food, medicine, transportation and utility bills.
“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 said having a regular pension would also give seniors more financial security instead of relying on irregular assistance from relatives.
“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 said the proposal could also help families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
“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 senator also said the proposal is one way of giving back to Filipinos who spent much of their lives contributing to their families and communities.
“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,” Aquino said.
The measure is part of Aquino’s 10 “Panukalang Batas para sa Abot-Kayang Pamumuhay,” which focus on easing the financial burden on ordinary Filipinos.IMT
