MANILA — Senator Bam Aquino is seeking to expand the coverage of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and increase the monthly social pension for qualified senior citizens to P1,000.

Aquino’s Senate Bill No. 269 proposes a P1,000 monthly social pension for senior citizens who do not receive a social pension or whose existing pension does not exceed P3,000.

The measure aims to provide eligible seniors with a regular source of income for daily expenses, medical needs, and emergencies.

“As we grow older, it becomes more difficult to generate income. Many of our lolos and lolas face barriers to staying employed after the age of 60 due to physical limitations, age-based discrimination, or the lack of opportunities tailored to their skills,” Aquino said.

He said a reliable pension would give senior citizens greater financial security compared with irregular or informal sources of support.

“Unlike irregular or informal sources of support, a pension allows recipients to manage their resources with more certainty. This reduces stress, promotes better well-being, and allows older people to make personal choices about how their money is spent,” he added.

Aquino said the proposed pension could also reduce the financial burden on families supporting elderly relatives, particularly those already struggling with food, medicine, education, and other household expenses.

“A pension can help cover food, medicine, utility bills, or transportation costs, easing the financial pressure on younger relatives who may already be juggling their own expenses,” he said.

The senator said the proposal also seeks to recognize the contributions of senior citizens to the country.

“Our senior citizens have broadly contributed to the development of our nation. It is time for us to return their sacrifices by ensuring that they are cared for in their old age,” Aquino said.

Senate Bill No. 269 is among Aquino’s 10 proposed measures under his “Panukalang Batas para sa Abot-Kayang Pamumuhay” agenda, which aims to provide relief to Filipinos facing high prices, expensive health services, low wages, and inadequate government support.

Aquino also filed Senate Bill No. 2386, or the National Disability Support Act, which proposes a P2,000 monthly disability support allowance for qualified persons with disabilities to help cover disability-related and other essential expenses.