Presidential candidate Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson slammed some policies of financial institutions which he said were perceived to be discriminatory of senior citizens.
“Why is it that when you get to 70 years old, you are automatically rendered unproductive? Like you are no longer useful,” said Lacson while questioning the policy.
“They are assuming that once you are 70 years old, you may no longer have the capacity or wherewithal to pay for your microfinance,” added Lacson.
He noted that his policy is wrong. “That’s wrong. We should look at the capability of the person,” further stated Lacson.
Even if he or she is 80 years old but remains productive, Lacson said we should not discriminate.
Lacson discussed the issue when a 66-year-old woman opened up about her concerns of reaching the age of 70 during which, she said, she would start losing her benefits and other entitlements from a microfinance association where she has been a member of.
Lacson and his running mate Senator Tito Sotto said they are looking at the possibility of revisiting laws that govern microfinance institutions under the supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
“Even if we are only senators now, we will revisit some regulations or laws relevant to that, whether it’s a Central Bank regulation or whatever regulation we need to revisit,” said Lacson.
The veteran statesman noted that under his leadership, he would enforce an anti-age discrimination policy not only in terms of employment opportunities, but in other aspects that could negatively affect the quality of life of the seasoned members of our society.
“We should not discriminate. That policy (of denying benefits to senior citizens) is wrong. We should look at the capacity, the productivity, the ability of the person, not his or her age.”
Lacson and Sotto are both 73 years old, but are still of sound mind and body because of their healthy and active lifestyles.
The presidential candidate even mentioned that based on his last executive check-up, his doctor told him that his body age is 51 years old or 20 years younger.
