DSWD asked to release P500-monthly pension for senior citizens every 3 months

MANILA, Philippines – A lawmaker has called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to release the P500-monthly pension for senior citizens every three months instead of six months.

In filing House Resolution No. 1047, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez emphasized that senior citizens need their monthly pension “now more than ever” due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Under Rodriguez’s proposal, senior citizens should receive their P500 monthly pension every three months for a total of P1,500. Currently, indigent senior citizens receive P3,000 every six months.

“[COVID-19] has affected and disrupted the lives of all Filipinos, with the end to this pandemic still nowhere in sight as the number of cases still continue to increase,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

“Due to lockdowns and quarantines in many parts of the country, many businesses struggled, resulting in loss of jobs for many Filipinos, including senior citizens who are still productive members of society,” he added.

Rodriguez reported that beneficiaries of the monthly pension in Cagayan de Oro City and other parts of the country have been complaining to him that six months is too long for them to wait considering the prevailing health crisis.

“They need to augment whatever money they have for their maintenance medicines, food, and other essentials,” he added.

As of Friday, COVID-19 cases nationwide have breached 63,000 including recoveries of 21,748 patients and deaths of 1,660.

Rodriguez likewise reminded the Social Security System to release the additional P1, 000 increase in the monthly pension of retirees from the private sector, saying it has already been delayed by a year. Jim Mendoza, trainee

KGA