Kuya Bong backs seniors’ cash gift act
As a culture that values taking care of elders, Go emphasized the need to support and recognize them.
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has co-sponsored Senate Bill 2028 which, if passed, seeks to enable senior citizens upon reaching the age of 80 years to receive a portion of the P100,000 cash gift intended for centenarians.
The bill was principally sponsored by Senator Imee Marcos as the counterpart version in the House of Representatives already passed on second reading on 21 March.
As a culture that values taking care of elders, Go emphasized the need to support and recognize them.
He added that if passed, the proposed measure provides a cash gift of P100,000 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, adding 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.
The senator also 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.
Go expressed his support for proposed measures that will improve the health and welfare of our senior citizens as he believes that we should recognize their sacrifices and honor their contributions to our society.
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 P500 to P1,000. The said increase aims to support their basic necessities and medical needs.