By Anthony A. Araos
Directly or indirectly, we’re interacting with the elderly sector. This holds true in urban and rural areas in the country. This is because this sector truly plays an important role in Philippine society. Obviously, many are asking if senior citizens are receiving fair treatment from the officialdom.
Quickly, state officials are replying in the affirmative and saying aged Filipinos have pension entitlements and other benefits. Are those for real? It’s high time to closely look into this matter. Are there really problems bothering our senior citizens? If so, what’s the next move to address this long-standing issue? It’s time to provide solutions to these problems in a responsible manner in a way that promotes short and long-term interests. The time to match solutions against problems is now.
For one, the elderly’s pension is simply inadequate. Most Filipinos are already feeling the effects of high cost of living. How much more indigent (and all other) senior citizens who are no longer working? Many say that their conditions are worsening each day. How do you prepare them for the worst? Honest-to-goodness efforts to listen to their legitimate grievances, with all seriousness, is necessary. Positive action to cushion the impact of high inflation on the senior citizens’ meager pension is essential.
In the same breath, it has been said that it is quite difficult to make pension adjustments due to certain legal realities. I agree.But, remember, there are still other fronts to maneuver. For example, the 1 percent of funds allotted for senior citizens by LGUs may be increased to say 3 percent. While the Sangguniang Kabataan receives 10 percent of the barangay IRA. See the disparity. Yes, it is hard to overcome the problem, but giving up is not the right attitude. Throwing the white flag is surely lamentable. It bears saying that what the legally prescribed pension system is a challenge for all right-thinking Filipinos to ponder at any given time of the day. To stress that the people’s taxes fund vital government -sponsored programs and projects is just as paramount. Over the years, we witnessed misplaced priorities discarded because the people spoke up.
Moreover, let us clamor for the provision of health insurance for them in addition to their pension. Payment of health insurance, which they can readily use if needed, falls squarely on the shoulders of the government. In short, there is a compelling reason to push for the provision of a pension and health insurance for all senior citizens. No ifs and buts!
Being silent or timid on a position prevailing in this part of the world as this one is simply unthinkable. Someone in Congress should take the cudgels for the elderly sector and continue to lead a sustained crusade against all forms of shabby treatment of senior citizens. Fortunately, at the moment, there’s a bright spot at the lower chamber of Congress. I’m speaking of the actions taken by Senior Citizen’s Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes, who chairs the committee on senior citizens. He has always been truly hard working to protect the rights and promote the welfare of the elderly people.
I’m not even zeroing down on the non-compliance of several establishments with the 20% discount “blessings” for elderly folks. Presently, some of the benefits they receive are the 20% discount and VAT exemption on medicines, food, fare and even doctors’ fees and hospital bills. This concern and a host of other socio-economic deprivations and discriminatory acts are despicable, to say the least.
It’s a recurring problem. Why don’t we do something about it?
Important pieces of legislation from incoming competent and intelligent lawmakers should really be prioritized in 2025.
May 12, 2925 is indeed a momentous day for the Philippines if and only if voters inject competence in legislative governance. It is a significant step towards realizing a vision of giving the elderly a better deal. This discourse exemplifies an unwavering commitment to working with other stakeholders in addressing these problems while safeguarding our shared values for democracy by ensuring the betterment of the elderly sector.
Elderly folks have spent the best time of their lives in enriching the country. Looking ahead, I look forward to having congressmen and senators who shall tirelessly promote senior citizens’ protection and care. That means putting into office those who introduce and nurture pro-elderly measures in Congress. I am very happy a few “good men and women” filed their certificates of candidacy (CoCs) for senator (up against crooks, clowns, idiots and morons). Voters are told all over again: Vote Wisely!If more misfits end up in Congress, I don’t know what is the reminder for. Stupid voters have no business casting their votes.
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