Manila: Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Monday expressed strong support for the institutionalization of a Universal Social Pension for senior citizens, emphasizing the nation's moral obligation to protect elderly Filipinos who have dedicated their lives to their families and the country. Dy's remarks came during the turnover ceremony of the 'Labing-Dalawang Milyong Lagda para sa Matatanda (12 Million Signatures for the Elderly)' campaign at the House of Representatives, where he highlighted the growing call for enhanced support for seniors grappling with increasing costs of medicine, healthcare, and living expenses.
According to Philippines News Agency, the current government assistance for senior citizens is limited to the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program, which provides PHP1,000 monthly to qualified elderly Filipinos aged 60 and above who are frail, sickly, living with disabilities, and lack a pension or financial support from relatives. Dy emphasized that the proposed Universal Social Pension should be seen not just as financial aid but as a recognition of the dignity and contributions of senior citizens, stressing the importance of providing support to help them meet their basic needs.
The Speaker from Isabela underscored the moral responsibility of the government and society to care for vulnerable Filipinos, particularly the elderly, assuring senior citizens that the House would continue to support measures aimed at easing their burdens and enhancing their quality of life. The event, led by United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, marked the formal turnover of millions of signatures urging Congress to strengthen social protection and financial security for senior citizens.
Aquino-Magsaysay described the campaign as a growing nationwide movement among senior citizens advocating for the passage of the universal pension measure. She noted that the signature campaign, launched on March 18, has mobilized senior citizens' associations, organizations, and federations across the country in support of the proposed legislation. Aquino-Magsaysay stressed that the proposed pension recognizes the rights of elderly Filipinos, emphasizing its necessity amid various economic challenges faced by the elderly.
The signature campaign will continue nationwide until the proposed Universal Social Pension bill is enacted into law. Aquino-Magsaysay expressed hope that more signatures would be gathered from regions, provinces, cities, and municipalities until their voices are heard and the signatures translate into legislative action.
