The miserable plight of a 101-year-old Aeta grandfather broke the heart of PROMDI Party presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao, as he brought his campaign to the Katutubo Village in Porac, Pampanga on Tuesday.
Following a brief dialogue with centenarian Jungle Serrano, Pacquiao urged the Senate leadership to pass its version of the proposed amendments to Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016 that will grant Filipinos who reach 101-years-old a cash incentive of P1 million.
Approved on third reading in the House of Representatives, the bill also provided for the release by government of P25,000 to a senior citizen when he reaches the age of 80, 85, 90 and 95.
“I hope Senate will have time to either fast-track final reading approval of the bill or simply adopt the House version when session resumes in May,” the presidential candidate said.
At the same time, Pacquiao called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development to swiftly review applications for availment of the P100,000 cash benefit for centenarians as provided under RA 10868.
“Sana bigyan ng masusing pagtuon ang mga kaso na katulad ng kay Lolo Jungle. Malaking bagay para sa katulad niya ang cash incentive para sa kanilang medical needs and maintenance medicines,” said Pacquiao.
Lolo Jungle, who has six children and 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, told Pacquiao that he has yet to receive RA 10868 benefits because his case is still under verification.
Like many members of cultural minorities, Lolo Jungle’s birth records could not be confirmed from civil registry records.
Pacquiao said he wanted to give Serrano his own money, but he must abide by the election laws that prohibit candidates from distributing money to voters.
Following a press briefing where Serrano approached the senator, Pacquiao immediately directed a senior staff member to follow up the centenarian’s case with the DSWD, saying this assignment should be given priority attention.
“I was very happy with the time spent with thousands of our IP’s from Aeta communities in Pampanga.”
