JUNE 27, 2013

NR # 3147

Senior citizens to get P1,000 monthly allowance

Senior citizens will get a P1,000 monthly financial assistance from the government under a bill addressing their financial needs to cope up with the rising prices of basic commodities. Rep. Antonio Lagdameo, Jr. (2nd District, Davao Del Norte), author HB 1859 which he vowed to re-file in the 16th Congress, said the measure will greatly help a big number of senior citizens in the country who are living below the poverty level. The benefits provided under this measure will help alleviate living conditions of our elderly who for having offered their best years for this country deserve all the necessary assistance during their twilight years, Lagdameo said. Likewise, the proposed Senior Citizens Financial Assistance Act shall provide a loan of P20,000 assistance to qualified elderly. To avail of the financial and other benefits, a senior citizen must be a Filipino Citizen, 60 years of age or older, unemployed and has no other source of income or relatives capable of giving support and without adequate means of subsistence, and must be within the poverty threshold as determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It is the policy of the State to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to social development which shall make essential goods, health and other social services affordable and accessible to all, Lagdameo said. There shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged, sick, disabled, women, children and the elderly, Lagdameo added. The bill mandates the DSWD to issue an identification card to enable the qualified senior citizen to claim their quarterly financial assistance and shall assist the elderly in their application for loans. In consultation with affected sectors, the DSWD shall issue the necessary rules and regulations, publish or cause to publish the rules in a newspaper of general circulation. (30) jsc