Current holders of Manila senior citizen IDs take note: You will not automatically receive the monthly financial assistance and other benefits prescribed by law from the Manila City government, according to an officer of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA).
Rachel Magora, OSCA representative, disclosed during the recent election of senior citizen officials of Barangay 406 in Sampaloc, Manila, that only senior citizens who are bona fide residents and registered voters of Manila will receive the P500 monthly financial assistance from the city government.
She said that Ordinance 8565, which was signed by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on July 25, grants a P500 monetary allowance for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and solo parents who are residents of the city of Manila. Earlier, Domagoso said this is part of his administration’s social amelioration package with a P1 billion budget.
“It was discovered that there are Manila senior citizen ID holders who are registered voters in other places. As they are not Manila voters, they will not receive the P500 monthly financial assistance,” she clarified. “Only senior citizens who are bona fide Manila residents and voters are entitled to the financial assistance and other benefits under Ordinance 8565.”
She said all Manila senior citizens will be issued an all-in-one ID card, after the Manila City government signed a partnership with PayMaya to power the new senior citizen cum ATM-ID card. Through the PayMaya-enabled IDs, disbursement of the monthly stipends will be more efficient for the city government and more convenient for the recipients, because they no longer have to go to the city hall or other offices to receive their allowances. Indigent senior citizens will get additional cash benefits from the city government.
Magora said the mayor is currently working for other perks and privileges for Manila senior citizens. These include free cake on their birthday; free movies on designated dates; free dental and medical services; free massage; free vaccination and free parking in Manila City malls.