Senate President Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has joined calls to include all Filipinos aged 60 and above in the coverage of the monthly social pension given to indigent senior citizens.
This, after a group of citizens called on the Senate for the immediate passage of a universal social pension for the elderly.
“Sa mata ng batas, dapat pantay ang lahat. Walang dapat pinipili (In the eyes of the law, everyone should be equal. It should be fair),” Estrada said.
Estrada noted that under Republic Act No. 7432, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, only indigent senior citizens are entitled to get the P1,000 monthly social pension given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Not all senior citizens are as lucky as those who receive pensions or have economic subsistence to support their daily needs, the senator pointed out.
“In fact, many of them are forced to find employment to supply their and their family’s needs,” Estrada said in explaining the rationale behind his proposed Senate Bill No. 2929, which proposes a “universal social pension.”
Under SBN 2929, Estrada said all Filipino senior citizens, regardless of their social status, would be covered with social pension.
Also under Estrada’s bill, senior citizens who are not considered indigents shall also be entitled to a monthly stipend of P500. This shall be increased to P1,000 after five years.
“This universal social pension is more than just a financial aid — it is a measure of social protection and empowerment for our elderly population,” the Senate leader said.
“It seeks to improve their quality of health, ensure their social inclusion, and help restore their dignity regardless of their age or economic status,” Estrada also said.
He said the bill primarily recognizes the country’s transition toward an aging population — which is projected to be at 13.2 million Filipinos aged 60 and above by 2030.
It also seeks to address the financial challenges faced by many seniors who lack pensions or stable sources of income.
Despite the existing efforts of the government, Estrada lamented a significant portion of senior citizens still struggle to meet their daily needs.