Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Sunday, October 22 urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other concerned agencies to update the list of indigent senior citizens in accordance with the new law that mandates an increase in the pension of poor elderly citizens.
Go is referring to Republic Act No. (RA) 11916 or an Act Increasing the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens, as amended RA 7432, the first Senior Citizens Act. The law was co-authored by Go in the Senate.
“This amendment is a step forward in ensuring a better quality of life for our senior citizens. It's crucial that we provide them with the necessary support to live comfortably,” Go said.
“Nandiyan na ang batas. Dapat maimplementa ito ng maayos para mapakinabangan ng taumbayan lalo na ng mga matatanda na sakop ng batas na ito. Ibigay dapat ang nararapat sa kanila at huwag patagalin pa (The law is there. It should be properly implemented so that our people, especially the elderly, can fully benefit from this law. Let us give what is due them and not delay it further),” he stressed.
The law, Go pointed out mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), transitioning later to the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), to annually update and validate the beneficiary list, with the aid of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the local government units (LGUs).
The senator said there is an urgent need to update the list of beneficiaries, as the number of indigent seniors may have increased over time.
"It's imperative that we review and promptly update the list of beneficiaries to ensure that the aid reaches the senior citizens who are truly qualified to benefit from the law," Go remarked.
Go also co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2028, which also aims to provide additional support to individuals who have reached the age of 80 and 90 years old.
This proposal amends the Centenarian Act of 2016, acknowledging that not everyone reaches the milestone of a century.
“Nasa kultura na nating mga Pilipino na alagaan ang ating mga nakakatanda. Dapat natin silang suportahan at bigyan ng pagkilala. Habang kaya pang pakinabangan at ma-enjoy ng senior citizen ang cash gift, ibigay na natin sa kanila (Caring for the elderly is already part of Philippine culture. We should support this and give them the honor. While they can still enjoy it, let’s give them the cash gift),” said Go.
“Prioritizing the needs of the underprivileged, especially senior citizens, in public service delivery is paramount. Rest assured, I will continue to support programs aimed at improving the lives of the elderly,” he stressed.