Senatorial candidate Bam Aquino plans to propose a P2,000 monthly social pension for all senior citizens to help with their medication and food expenses if he wins a Senate seat in the upcoming midterm polls this May.
 

Former senator Bam Aquino interacts with senior citizens during the campaign trail in Bicol region. (Photo from Bam Aquino Media Bureau)

In a meeting with senior citizens in Legazpi, Albay on Sunday, April 13, the former official said that a P2,000 social pension will help senior citizens in their everyday expenses.
 

“Malaking gaan na rin ito sa mga pamilyang may inaalagaang senior citizen dahil magagamit nila ang pera sa iba pang mahalagang bagay gaya ng pagkain, kuryente at iba pang bayarin (This will also be a big help for families who are taking care of senior citizens as they can use the money for expenses such as food, electricity, and others),” he said.
 

Aquino’s planned proposal highlights the importance he puts in the role of senior citizens in the community.
 

Currently, Republic Act No. 7432, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, provides a P1,000 monthly social pension only to indigent senior citizens.
 

This is being provided through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
 

Aquino is currently in the vote-rich Bicol region for his campaign.
 

There, he met with local officials and supporters from Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, and Masbate.
 

He also met with former vice president Leni Robredo, who is running for mayor of Naga City.
 

In 2019, Aquino topped the senatorial elections in Camarines Sur, while he placed second in Albay and Sorsogon, third in Camarines Norte and Catanduanes, and sixth in Masbate.