Rep Santos proposes universal social pension for all Filipino seniors

Las Piñas City Representative Mark Anthony Santos has proposed the "Universal Social Pension Act" (House Bill 1296) to provide a monthly social pension to all Filipino senior citizens aged 60 and above, regardless of their financial status.

This proposed legislation seeks to amend Republic Act 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, by removing the indigency requirement that currently limits the P1,000 monthly stipend to indigent and disabled seniors.

The bill, which aims to cover an estimated 11 million seniors, suggests that the pension amount would be adjusted based on inflation and current living standards.

Santos argued that all senior citizens deserve a dignified life and that a universal pension acknowledges their lifelong contributions.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that in 2018, total health spending for senior citizens reached P171.55 billion, with 59 percent paid out-of-pocket by seniors and their families.

The representative also urged the government to establish a dedicated fund for the program.