Senator Bam Aquino is now pushing a bill that will expand the coverage of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 to grant higher monthly social pension for senior citizens.
Senate Bill No. 269 proposes to increase the monthly social pension for senior citizens to P1,000.
Qualified seniors include those who do not receive a social pension, or with pensions lower than P3,500.
Aquino noted that the P1,000 pension monthly will be able to provide senior citizens a regular source of income for their expenses like basic necessities, medical needs, and emergencies.
The Senator said that senior citizens are finding it hard to be employed after the age of 60 due to “physical limitations, age-based discrimination, or the lack of opportunities tailored to their skills.”
Through a higher monthly pension, Aquino believes that it will be able to provide additional support for seniors and will give them independence on where they want to spend their money.
He added that this may also ease the burden of their families who have their own financial responsibilities.
“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 noted.
This proposed measure is part of Aquino’s 10 “Panukalang Batas para sa Abot-Kayang Pamumuhay” that aims to provide immediate relief and support for ordinary citizens that face higher inflation, expensive health services, low wages, and inadequate government support.