Councilor Edison Bilog has proposed an ordinance which seeks to protect senior citizens in Baguio City from all forms of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and exploitation by establishing comprehensive mechanisms for prevention, reporting, protection, and rehabilitation.
The proposed measure puts into place local safeguards to protect elderly residents and uphold their dignity and welfare.
Under the proposal, it will be unlawful for any person to commit acts of abuse, neglect, economic exploitation, or abandonment against senior citizens. The ordinance mandates the establishment of a 24/7 Senior Citizen Protection Hotline and Senior Citizen Abuse Desks in every barangay to receive complaints, coordinate interventions, and refer victims to proper authorities.
A Local Senior Citizen Protection Council will be created to be chaired by the City Mayor and composed of representatives from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), City Health Services Office (CHSO), City Legal Office, Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), accredited NGOs, and senior citizen representatives. The council will oversee the implementation of preventive and responsive programs, provide guidance in rescue and rehabilitation operations, and monitor compliance with the ordinance.
Support services for victims will include immediate rescue operations, temporary shelter, medical and psychosocial care, legal assistance, emergency financial aid, and reintegration programs to help victims recover and return safely to their communities. The city government, in coordination with OSCA, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), and other partners will also conduct awareness and education campaigns promoting respect and care for the elderly.
Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and caregiving facilities will be mandated to provide immediate medical and psychosocial treatment free of charge in emergency cases and to report suspected abuse within 24 hours to the CSWDO. Barangays are likewise required to establish Senior Citizen Abuse Desks, maintain a case registry, and lead community-based rehabilitation efforts.
Barangay officials, health workers, police officers, social workers, and hospital employees who become aware of abuse cases are mandated to report them immediately to authorities. Failure to do so will result in administrative or criminal liability.
The proposed ordinance has been approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council and referred to the Committee on Social Services, Women, and Urban Poor for review. **Jordan G. Habbiling
