MANILA, Philippines – Sinabi ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) na ang pag-apruba ng Kamara sa proposed universal social pension para sa lahat ng Filipino senior citizens ay “a step towards enhancing their quality of life and a reflection of the nation’s responsibility to protect their welfare.”
Ang pahayag ng CHR nitong Lunes, Hulyo 8 ay kasabay ng pagkilala nito sa pag-apruba ng Mababang Kapulungan sa House Bill (HB) No. 10423 sa ikatlo at huling pagbasa noong Mayo 21.
“We applaud the bill’s intention to ensure that no Filipino senior citizen will be left behind in terms of financial support. This bill is a step towards enhancing their quality of life and a reflection of the nation’s responsibility to protect the welfare of all our senior citizens,” pahayag ni Commissioner Beda Angeles Epres, CHR focal commissioner for older persons.
“We recognize the efforts of our legislators to ensure the progress of this bill in the lower house. We support their initiatives to prioritize the well-being of our elderly. This affirms the State’s commitment to contribute to the dignity and independence of our seniors,” dagdag pa niya.
Layon ng panukala na amyendahan ang bahagi ng Republic Act No. 7432 na isama ang universal social pension na nagtatranslate sa “non-contributory monthly monetary grant,” na hindi bababa sa P1,000 kada buwan.
Sa oras na maisabatas, oobligahin ng panukala ang lahat ng mga senior citizen na mabigyan ng buwanang social pension. Ipinanukala rin na makatanggap ang indigent seniors ng P1,000 habang ang non-indigents ay makatanggap ng P500 kada buwan.
Bibigyang mandato rin nito ang Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Budget and Management, at iba pang stakeholders na tingnan ang adjustment sa social pension kada dalawang taon.
Ang HB No. 10423 ay “contribute to the efforts of the State to elevate the status of the elderly population as well as promote financial security for them. This is a positive addition to the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens 2023-2028, a comprehensive program launched by the National Commission of Senior Citizens that fosters an inclusive and age-friendly society,” sinabi ng CHR. RNT/JGC
