Senator Risa Hontiveros is seeking the passage of her priority bill granting all senior citizens a P1,500 monthly social pension to help with daily expenses.
During the Senate hearing on her proposed “Lingap Para Kay Lolo at Lola Act” (Senate Bill No. 215), Hontiveros said many elderly Filipinos can no longer afford their medicines and often choose between food, water, electricity, or medicine.
The DSWD currently gives only P1,000 monthly pension and only to indigent seniors.
The senator stressed that the amount has long been stagnant and excludes many who also need support.
“Lahat naman ng lolo’t lola natin kailangang tulungan sa gastusin, lalo na’t patuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga gamot at bilihin,” she said, urging swift passage of the bill to fulfill the wish of giving seniors “good health and long life.”IMT
