A new legislative measure aims to grant a fixed ₱1,000 monthly social pension to elderly Filipinos who currently receive no retirement benefits or survive on ₱3,000 or less per month.
Filed by Senator Bam Aquino, Senate Bill No. 269 intends to establish guaranteed financial assistance to aid senior citizens with essential needs, healthcare expenses, and emergency costs.
Aquino highlighted that earning a living becomes increasingly difficult for older adults due to workplace barriers.
“As we grow older, it becomes more difficult to generate income. Many of our lolos and lolas face barriers to staying employed after the age of 60 due to physical limitations, age-based discrimination, or the lack of opportunities tailored to their skills,” Aquino said.
The lawmaker emphasized that predictable monetary assistance provides greater peace of mind than sporadic relief efforts.
“Unlike irregular or informal sources of support, a pension allows recipients to manage their resources with more certainty. This reduces stress, promotes better well-being, and allows older people to make personal choices about how their money is spent,” he added.
By covering essential expenses like food, medication, and transportation, the proposed monthly stipend would also alleviate financial pressure on supporting families while honoring the lifelong contributions of the elderly.
“Our senior citizens have broadly contributed to the development of our nation. It is time for us to return their sacrifices by ensuring that they are cared for in their old age,” he stressed.