Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has called for the inclusion of all Filipinos aged 60 and above in the monthly social pension currently limited to indigent senior citizens.
“Sa mata ng batas, dapat pantay ang lahat. Walang dapat pinipili,” said Estrada.
Under Republic Act No. 7432, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, only indigent seniors are eligible for the P1,000 monthly social pension provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The senator from San Juan explained that many seniors without pensions or economic support struggle to meet daily needs, often resorting to employment.
SBN 2929 proposes a “universal social pension” that would cover all Filipino senior citizens, regardless of their social status.
Under the Estrada bill, non-indigent seniors would initially receive P500 per month, increasing to P1,000 after five years.
“This universal social pension is more than just a financial aid — it is a measure of social protection and empowerment for our elderly population,” according to him.
“It seeks to improve their quality of health, ensure their social inclusion, and help restore their dignity regardless of their age or economic status,” he added.
The House of Representatives approved a counterpart bill in May last year.IMT
