A BILL filed at the House of Representatives provides an additional P500-monthly allowance for all senior citizens across the country.
House Bill (HB) 2048 mandates that universal social pension or cash grant for all seniors, initially implemented at P500 monthly, will be doubled to P1,000 in five years’ time.
However, an estimated four million indigent seniors who are already getting a monthly subsidy of P1,000 under the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) program as provided for in Republic Act (RA) 9994 and RA 11916, will continue to receive this higher pension of P1,000 even if HB 2048 becomes a law.
The bill allows any senior citizen to waive this monthly stipend, and directs the Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and of Budget and Management (DBM) to review this social pension package and adjust its amount within two years of this measure’s effectivity, based on the emerging needs of the elderly, cost of living adjustments, and the latest economic indicators.
In recognition of the significant contribution to nation-building of elderly Filipinos, who have passed down generations of skills, knowledge and wisdom that continue to shape our way of life and preserve our rich traditions and cultural heritage, and customs, a slew of laws have been enacted for their economic and social benefit,” the bill’s explanatory note stated,
It also cited the “significant contribution to nation-building of elderly Filipinos, who have passed down generations of skills, knowledge and wisdom that continue to shape our way of life and preserve our rich traditions and cultural heritage, and customs, a slew of laws have been enacted for their economic and social benefit.”
“Even in old age, many of our seniors remain active as members of local councils, as church leaders, or as professionals in their respective communities,” it added.
HB 2048 was authored by Reps. Miguel Luis Villafuerte and Deputy Majority Leader Luigi Villafuerte; and co-sponsored by fellow Camarines Sur lawmaker Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata and Bicol Saro party-list Rep.Terry Ridon.
The proposed law also said it seeks to “address the current limitations by ensuring all senior citizens, regardless of their social status, receive equal treatment from the government through a universal pension.”
The bill “mandates a monthly stipend of P500 for senior citizens who are previously not considered as indigents. Within five years, this amount shall increase to a minimum of P1,000 per month to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of all senior citizens, whether receiving a pension from any pension provider.”
This measure was bypassed by the 19th Congress but was recently approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives and then transmitted to the Senate.
