While the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed its support to the enactment into law of Senate Bill No. 2929, the proposed Universal Social Pension Act, it called for the periodic review of the amount of pension to make it responsive to rising cost of living.

The said bill seeks to institutionalize monthly financial assistance for all older persons in the Philippines by providing indigent senior citizens with a monthly stipend of ₱1,000, while non-indigents will receive ₱500.

"While supporting the proposed measure, the CHR recommends that pension amounts be periodically reviewed and adjusted to remain responsive to inflation and the rising cost of living," the CHR said in a statement.

It voiced concern over the "ladderized stipend structure" of the bill which increases the amount for non-indigent older persons after five years while keeping the indigents’ rate fixed.

"Such a provision may raise issues of equity and non-discrimination. A rights-based approach requires that those with less in life be given more in law," the CHR said.

It also said the measure must be viewed within the broader obligation of the State to protect and promote the rights of older persons, as guaranteed under the 1987 Constitution.

Article XV, Section 4 of the Constitution obliges the State to care for the elderly through just and appropriate programs of social security, while Article XIII, Section 11 affirms that their needs must be prioritized among other vulnerable and marginalized sectors, it added.

“The duty of care towards the elderly is not only a constitutional mandate but also a moral obligation," it stressed.