Bill seeking to double monthly pension for senior citizens lapses into law
August 3, 2022 at 1:39 pm,
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CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd district Representative Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday, August 3, said the bill that seeks to increase the social pension of indigent senior citizens has lapsed into law on July 30.
Rodriguez, who is among the authors of the bill in the House of Representatives, lauded the passage of the bill which will provide senior citizens additional assistance to buy basic necessities.
"This will help them especially in time of Covid-19 pandemic and rising prices of basic commodities," Rodriguez said.
Republic Act 11916 mandates the increase of the monthly social pension of senior citizens from P500 to P1,000. It also provides for various payout options including cash, electronic transfer, or other modes of delivery that would make it more accessible to senior citizens.
No transaction fee will be shouldered by the beneficiaries.
Other provisions of the law include:
1. The DSWD shall adjust the amount of the social pension every two years after the effectivity of this act, noting the present Consumer Price Index published by the PSA and other relevant economic indicators;
2. The provision of social safety assistance to senior citizens in times of calamities, which includes food, medicines, home repair assistance, among others, sourced from the calamity funds of the LGUs; and
3. The transfer of the implementation, distribution, and management of the social pension from the DSWD to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).
Rodriguez said the amount necessary for the initial implementation of the law will be charged to the current appropriations of the DSWD and its continued implementation in the coming years will be sourced out from the General Appropriations Act. PR
Courtesy: Rufus Rodriguez Facebook