“Pay out senior citizens’ social pension monthly.”
This was what Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas suggested to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the agency transitions to cash cards for beneficiaries of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens and the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) Program.
The DSWD has partnered with LandBank of the Philippines for the implementation of the new payout mode.
“Tutal online naman na, baka pwedeng tratuhin na ng DSWD na parang payroll account ang mga cash cards na ito. This is the most practical and compassionate approach. Our indigent senior citizens need all the help they can get right now because of the uncertainties caused by the pandemic. Pagaanin natin ang buhay nina Nanay at Tatay, nina Lolo at Lola,” Vargas said.
The chair of the House Committee on Social Services said that the shift to online lessens the logistical requirements that usually accompany the pension roll-out.
“Very feasible na gawing monthly na ang bayaran ng social pension dahil automated naman na. And with automation, we allow our beloved elderly to maintain the dignity they deserve,” the lawmaker said.
The social pension program is a provision under Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Qualified indigent senior citizens receive a monthly stipend of P500, which is paid out on a semestral basis at P3,000, to help with their daily subsistence.
Vargas also expressed hope that a bill seeking to double the social pension’s amount to P1,000 will be enacted soon.
He is among the authors of the still unnumbered substitute bill, which the Committee on Appropriations approved last month.
“I hope that by doubling the pension amount and releasing it monthly, we can help poor elderly Filipinos who are bearing the full brunt of the pandemic’s effects,” the solon said.