CHR lauds House’s approval of universal social pension bill 

BIGGER CUT From P65, the weekly special 5-percent discount for senior citizens and persons with disabilities increased to P125, based on a joint administrative order signed by the trade, agriculture, and energy departments. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives’ approval of the proposed universal social pension for all Filipino senior citizens is “a step towards enhancing their quality of life and a reflection of the nation’s responsibility to protect their welfare,” according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

The CHR made the statement on Monday as it welcomed the lower chamber’s approval of House Bill (HB) No. 10423 on the third and final reading last May 21.

READ: House approves pro-senior citizen bills on 3rd and final reading

“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,” said 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,” he added.

The bill seeks to amend portions of Republic Act No. 7432 to include a universal social pension translating into a “non-contributory monthly monetary grant,” which shall not be less than P1,000 per month.

Once enacted, the bill will require all senior citizens to be granted a monthly social pension. The measure also proposes that indigent seniors receive P1000, while non-indigents receive P500 monthly.

It will also mandate the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Budget and Management, and other stakeholders to look into adjusting the social pension every two years.

HB No. 10423 will “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,” the CHR said.