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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Pleyto frowns as senior citizens suffer from 'digital exclusion'

Pleyto frowns as senior citizens suffer from 'digital exclusion'

Published Oct 8, 2025 09:35 pm

At A Glance

  • Bulacan 6th district Rep. Salvador Pleyto has raised concerns over what he described as the digital and social exclusion of seniors citizens, which could have serious implications on their well-being.
Bulacan 6th district Rep. Salvador Pleyto (PPAB)
Bulacan 6th district Rep. Salvador Pleyto (PPAB)


Bulacan 6th district Rep. Salvador Pleyto has raised concerns over what he described as the digital and social exclusion of seniors citizens, which could have serious implications on their well-being.
Pleyto delivered a privilege speech during plenary session Tuesday, Oct. 7 to inform his colleagues about this problem.
"In this age of digital transformation, many elderly Filipinos are left behind," said the 83-year-old lawmaker, the oldest in the legislative chamber.
Pleyto went on to cite a personal experience that brought to the fore the technological tribulations of his fellow citizens.
"Gaya sa GSIS (Government Service Insurance System). Bigla na lang natigil ang aking kakarampot na pensyon. Yun pala, dapat mong i-download ang tinatawag na GSIS application upang doon mo gagawin ang mag-APIR, or Active Program for Information Reintegration," he said.
(Just like with GSIS (Government Service Insurance System). My meager pension suddenly stopped. It turns out, you have to download something called the GSIS application where you’re supposed to do APIR, or the Active Program for Information Reintegration.)
"Paano na lang yung mga nasa liblib na lugar kung wala silang mga cellphone o WI-FI? Ganun na lang ho ba na ititigil ang kanilang mga pensyon? O kaya dapat, bumyahe pa sila papunta sa malalayong GSIS offices para maturuan nito?" asked Pleyto.
(But what about those in remote areas who don’t have cellphones or Wi-Fi? Will their pensions just be stopped like that? Or are they expected to travel all the way to far-off GSIS offices just to be taught how to do this?)
"Without assistance, many senior citizens are unable to access these services, cutting them off from opportunities and benefits [that are] rightfully theirs," underscored the Bulacan solon.
He said that such digital hardships also exist for elderly Filipinos in banking, healthcare appointments and in receiving government aid.
Pleyto, member of the House Committee on Senior Citizens, went on to appeal to his colleagues for more compassion toward those who are already in their twilight years.
"Mr. Speaker, I humbly call on this august body, let us commit to being the active hands that uphold the dignity of our elders, creating a nation where every senior is not just surviving, but truly thriving with purpose," he said.
Pleyto ended his speech with a quote from Nelson Mandela. "A society that does not value its older people denies its roots and endanger its future."
Elderly Filipino Week was observed in the country from Oct. 1 to 7.
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