SENATORIAL candidate and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay has proposed converting a portion of government’s cash grants or “ayuda” to maintenance medicines to meet the health needs of senior citizens.

Binay admitted that her proposal would invite adverse reactions, but she said it would provide assurance that government’s assistance will be used for an essential need.

“Ang aking proposal ay, although I know marami pong magrereact, di po ba nagbibigay tayo na AKAP, nagbibigay tayo ng AICS, baka po pwedeng partial, hindi naman po puro pera. Baka po pwedeng gamot po ang ibigay natin,” Binay said in a press conference Friday.

“At least alam po natin kung saan napupunta ang pera, kung saan ito ginagamit,” she added.

Giving the elderly free maintenance medicines would also give immediate relief, she said.

“Ang akin lang naman po ay makapagbigay naman kahit kaunti dahil dito po napupunta ang gastos ng ating mga senior citizen sa kanilang pension,” she said.

“Kung may pension silang natatanggap, nauubos po iyong pera nila sa pambili ng gamot,” she added.

With their pensions used to buy maintenance medicines, Binay said senior citizens are finding it difficult to buy food and other basic needs.

If elected, Binay intends to introduce legislation to provide free maintenance medicines, unlimited and free dialysis and chemotherapy for the elderly and poor beneficiaries.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco