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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Solon saddened by SONA snub on senior citizens

Solon saddened by SONA snub on senior citizens

Published Jul 28, 2026 04:23 pm

At A Glance

  • Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes laments that President Marcos' SONA does not present any clear or specific program for the elderly.
  • Ordanes says he expected support for a P1,000 universal social pension and mention of the proposed Geriatric Act to establish the National Center for Geriatric Health.
  • He clarifies he is not reproaching the President but appeals for attention to seniors' needs while pledging continued partnership in advancing programs for their dignity and welfare.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (left), Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes (Facebook)
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (left), Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes (Facebook)


Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes felt that his sector--elderly Filipinos--was "snubbed" during President Marcos' State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday, July 27.
This, after no concrete plan for the country's senior citizens was laid out during Marcos' annual speech.
Ordanes admitted he expected Marcos to support the granting of a P1,000 universal social pension for all senior citizens regardless of status in life.
He also said he had hoped for mention of the proposed Geriatric Act, which would pave the way for the establishment of the National Center for Geriatric Health (NCGH).
"Wala man lang malinaw at partikular na programa na nabanggit para sa aming mga senior citizen sa SONA," Ordanes lamented.
(There was no clear and specific program mentioned for us senior citizens in the SONA.)
He noted that the expansion of VAT-free medicines and YAKAP was acceptable since many seniors would benefit, but Marcos did not make any specific promise for those aged 60 and above.
"Nakakalungkot na sa kabila ng malaking ambag ng senior citizens sa ating lipunan, tila nananatiling nasa gilid lamang ang pambansang adyenda ang kanilang kapakanan," the elderly lawmaker added.
(It is disheartening that despite the great contributions of senior citizens to our society, their welfare seems to remain at the sidelines of the national agenda.)
Ordanes clarified that he was not reproaching the Chief Executive but was humbly appealing for clear attention to the needs and aspirations of senior citizens.
"BIlang kinatawan ng ating mga nakakatanda, mananatili kaming katuwang ng administrasyon sa pagsusulong ng mga panukala at programang magbibigay ng mas may dignidad at dangal na pamumuhay sa kanila," added the chairman of the House Committee on Senior Citizens .
(As the representative of our elderly, we will remain partners of the administration in advancing proposals and programs that will provide them with a more dignified and honorable life.)

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