SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2028 which, if passed, seeks to enable senior citizens upon reaching the age of 80 years to receive a portion of the PhP100,000 cash gift intended for centenarians.

The bill was principally sponsored by Senator Imee Marcos. The counterpart version in the House of Representatives already passed on 2nd reading on March 21.

As a culture that values taking care of elders, Go emphasized the need to support and recognize them.

“Alam naman po natin na nasa kultura na po ng Pilipino na alagaan ang mga nakakatanda. We are a very family-oriented and caring people,” said Go in his co-sponsorship speech inserted into the record on Wednesday, March 22.

“Kaya naman po dapat natin silang suportahan at bigyan din ng pagkilala,” he added.

He explained that, if passed, the proposed measure provides a cash gift of PhP100,000 in total, to be distributed in three equal tranches to senior citizens who reach the ages of 80, 90, and 100 years old.

Currently, only those who reach 100 years old receive a cash gift. However, the average life expectancy of Filipinos is around 70 years old, making it difficult for many seniors to receive this benefit.

Go believes that it is essential to provide support to our senior citizens while they can still benefit from it.

“Kaya naman po, habang kaya pang pakinabangan at ma-enjoy ng senior citizen ang cash gift, ibigay na po natin sa kanila,” he said.

Go added that the proposed bill also aims to have a greater impact on more senior citizens by giving the cash benefit at a time when health interventions would have mattered for a better chance of healing and achieving better health outcomes.

“Maganda rin po na may inaasahan ang ating mga senior citizens pag tungtong nila ng 80, 90 at 100 years old,” he said.

“Napakaliit ng halaga ngunit this may already inspire optimism and improve their psychological and physical well-being,” added Go.

Go stressed that as a vulnerable group, senior citizens need the help and support of the government. This cash gift is a tangible way to show them that their contributions to society are valued and appreciated.

“Suportado ko ang anumang hakbang na magpapabuti lalo sa kalusugan at kapakanan ng ating mga senior citizens,” said Go.

“Kilalanin natin ang ating mga senior citizen dahil malaking sakripisyo ang ginawa nila noong mas bata pa sila upang maitaguyod ang kanilang mga pamilya na siyang pundasyon ng ating lipunan. Suklian natin sila ng pagmamahal at pag-aaruga sa kanilang pagtanda,” he added.

Go expressed his support for proposed measures that will improve the health and welfare of our senior citizens. He believes that we should recognize their sacrifices and honor their contributions to our society.

“Bilang isa sa mga vulnerable groups, kailangan ng mga matatanda natin ang tulong at suporta ng pamahalaan. Kaya itong cash gift ay sigurado akong malaking tulong sa kanila,” concluded Go.

In line with his commitment to prioritize the well-being of the elderly, Go has also co-authored Republic Act No. 11916 which amends RA 7432 to increase the monthly pension allowance of senior citizens from PhP500 to PhP1,000. The said increase aims to support their basic necessities and medical needs.

“Ako naman po, asahan niyo po na patuloy ko pong uunahin ang kapakanan ng ating mga nangangailangan tulad ng senior citizens. Kaya naman po patuloy din po akong susuporta sa mga programa para sa ikabubuti ng buhay ng ating mga nakakatanda,” he vowed.