A proposed Universal Social Pension for senior citizens is gaining stronger support in Congress as advocates press for wider financial protection for elderly Filipinos struggling with the rising cost of food, medicine, health care, and other basic needs.
The measure seeks to expand government support beyond the current Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program, which provides P1,000 per month only to qualified elderly Filipinos who are frail, sickly, living with disabilities, without pension, or have no permanent source of income or financial help from relatives.
Supporters of the proposal said a universal pension would provide broader and more reliable assistance to senior citizens, many of whom continue to face financial hardship despite years of work, family care, and service to their communities.
The call was amplified during the turnover of the initial batch of signatures from the “Labing-Dalawang Milyong Lagda para sa Matatanda” campaign at the House of Representatives, where senior citizens’ groups, lawmakers, and advocates urged Congress to strengthen social protection for the elderly.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the growing campaign reflects the public’s demand for a more compassionate and inclusive pension system for older Filipinos.
“Naniniwala po ako na ang tunay na paglilingkod ay nagsisimula sa pakikinig, pag-unawa, malasakit, at pagmamahal,” he said.
He noted that senior citizens should not be treated as mere statistics, but as parents, grandparents, and Filipinos who spent their lives sacrificing for their families and the country.
“Na hindi natin dapat tingnan ang ating mga nakatatanda bilang statistics lamang, kundi bilang mga magulang, lolo at lola, at mga Pilipinong buong buhay nagsakripisyo para sa kanilang pamilya at inang bayan,” he added.
The Isabela solon said the proposed Universal Social Pension should be viewed not only as financial aid, but as recognition of the dignity and contributions of the elderly.
“That is why the Universal Social Pension is not simply about assistance, it is about dignity, gratitude, and compassion,” he said.
“Given the costs of medicine, food, and health care, our seniors must be provided support to help them afford all of their basic needs,” he added.
The signature campaign was led by United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, chairperson of the House Committee on Senior Citizens. The drive gathered support from across the country to urge Congress to act on measures that would improve the financial security and quality of life of elderly Filipinos.
Advocates said the proposed pension system would help ease the daily burden on senior citizens and their families, particularly those who depend on limited income, irregular support, or rising out-of-pocket expenses for maintenance medicines and medical consultations.
The solon said the House would continue supporting measures that would provide meaningful relief to senior citizens and help them live with greater security and dignity.
“Dito po sa House, makakaasa po kayo na patuloy po naming susuportahan ang mga tamang hakbang na magpapagaan at magpapabuti sa kanilang buhay dahil ito ay makatao at makatarungan,” he said.
He said advancing stronger support for senior citizens is also a way of honoring their role in building families, communities, and the nation.
“Ito rin po ang aming paraan upang kahit papaano ay maiparamdam natin sa ating mga senior citizens ang ating pasasalamat sa kanilang kontribusyon sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino at sa ating bansa,” Dy said.