DSWD urged to release social pension of senior citizens every 3 months

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives Committee on Senior Citizen is urging the the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to release the P500-monthly social pension of senior citizens every three months instead of the current schedule of every six months.

During its online meeting on Thursday, the panel adopted House Resolution No. 1047 filed by Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez which pushes for the adjustment in the release of the social pension from DSWD.

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 earlier said.

“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.

The resolution was adopted as lawmakers hit the absence of DSWD representatives in the hearing.

“Failure on their part, Mr. Chairman, I would move for the approval of this resolution of Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez with no participation from Social Welfare who don’t seem to be interested in the subject anyway,” Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza said.

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