Senatorial aspirant Bam Aquino has pledged to push for a P2,000 monthly social pension for all senior citizens should he return to the Senate in the upcoming May midterm elections.
Speaking before a group of senior citizens in Legazpi, Albay on Sunday, April 13, Aquino said the proposed increase aims to assist the elderly in covering their daily needs such as food and medicine.
“Malaking gaan na rin ito sa mga pamilyang may inaalagaang senior citizen dahil magagamit nila ang pera sa iba pang mahalagang bagay gaya ng pagkain, kuryente at iba pang bayarin,” Aquino said in a Manila Bulletin report, highlighting how the additional support can ease the financial burden on families.
Currently, under Republic Act No. 7432 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, only indigent senior citizens are eligible for a P1,000 monthly pension through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Aquino’s proposal seeks to broaden the coverage to include all senior citizens, not just indigents.
The former senator is currently campaigning across the Bicol region, visiting local officials and supporters in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, and Masbate. He also recently met with former Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running for mayor of Naga City.
In the 2019 elections, Aquino had a strong showing in Bicol, topping the race in Camarines Sur and ranking high in neighboring provinces.
