6309
AN ACT GRANTING UNIVERSAL SOCIAL PENSION FOR SENloR CITIZENS,
FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT No. 7432, AS AMENDED BY
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9994, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
"EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT 0F 2010"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This  bill  seeks  to  grant  universal  social  pension  benefits  to  all  senior  citizens,
regardless on financial status or income bracket, at an amount of Two Thousand pesos
(P2,000,00) per month,  subject to review every two (2) years,  taking  into consideration
inflation  and  the  availability  of  funds.   In  addition,  this  bill  seeks  to  propose  additional
sources of funding  for this senior citizen  program  by specifically allowing  augmentation
from   local   government   units   (LGU)   resources,   as   well   as   grants,   donations,   or
contributions that may be extended to the LGUs.
Ageing is a great equalizer, and rich or poor, older persons or senior citizens suffer
the   same   consequences   of  declining   health,   physical   impairment,   and   diminished
financial capacity. The 2007 Philippine Longitudinal Study on Ageing (PLSOA) conducted
by the  University of the  Philippines  Population  Institute(Uppl)  provided  some  revealing
insights  into  the  country's  elderly  population,  highlighting  two  (2)  important  aspects  of
ageing - health  and  economic status,  which  are  both  deemed  to decline  as the years
progress.  retirement from  employment drastically  affects the financial  capacity of many
seniors.  Even with  retirement or pension  benefits  (which  prove to be meager compared
to expenses), the lack of a regular source of income results in great economic instability.
Some   basic   needs   like   housing,   food,   and   clothing   remain,   while   there   is   rapidly
increasing  health-related  expenditure.  With  cash  flow  fixed,  or  even  greatly  reduced,
senior citizens may experience an increase in medical expenses such as the requirement
for  maintenance  medicines,  regular  laboratory  tests  or  check-ups,  and  even  frequent
hospitalization or medical treatment such as dialysis.
The Social Protection framework to which the Philippines subscribes requires the
development  of  policies  and  programs  which  shall  reduce  poverty  and  vulnerability  to
risks,  and  enhance  the  social  status  and  rights  of  marginalized  sectors  like  the  senior
citizens,  including  protecting  against the sudden  loss of income and  improving capacity
to manage risks.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly recommended.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City,  Metro Manila
Nineteenth Congress
Regular Session
HOUSE BILL No. 63 09
Introduced by Representative Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay
AN ACT GRANTING UNIVERSAL SOCIAL PENSION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS,
FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT No. 7432, AS AMENDED BY
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9994, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
"EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT OF 2010"
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress Assembled
SECTION 1. Section (5), paragraph (h) number (1) of Republic Act No. 9994 is
hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 5. Government Assistance -The government shall provide the
following: x x x
(h) Additional Government Assistance
(1) Universal Social Pension
ALL senior citizens, regardless of financial status or economic bracket, shall be
entitled to a monthly stipend of Two Thousand pesos (P2,000.00) to augment
the daily subsistence, medical needs,  and other necessities of senior citizens,
subject  to  review  every  two  (2)  years  by  Congress,  in  consultation  with  the
DSWD and the National Commission for Senior Citizens.
A senior citizen may opt to waive such entitlement through proper procedures
and documentation facilitated by the implementing authorities."


SECTION 2. Fund Source. -Funds necessary for the implementation and expanded
coverage  of this  benefit shall  be sourced from  the general appropriations  allotted  to
the  Department  of  Social  Welfare  and  Development  (DSWD)  and/or  the  National
Commission   for  Senior  Citizens   (NCSC),   the   primary  agencies   tasked   with   the
implementation of the program.
Local  Government  Units  (LGUs)  are  not  precluded  from  providing  additional
benefits  or  financial  assistance  to  augment  this  social  pension  privilege  of  senior
citizens to be charged against other internally generated funds of the LGU concerned.
In addition, LGUs may accept donations, contributions, and grants from various
sources for purposes of implementing this Act.
SECTION  3. Separability Clause - lf any portion or provision of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in
full force and effect.
SECTION  4.  Repealing  Clause  -  All  laws,   decrees,   executive  orders,   rules  or
regulations  contrary  to  or  inconsistent  with  the  provisions  of  this  Act  are  hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 5. Effectivity -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication
in the Official Gazette or in newspaper of general circulation.
Approved