Senatorial aspirant and former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay Thursday said benefits should be given to family members who are caring for their elderly parents.
“Since the pandemic began, more and more Filipinos have been caring for their elderly parents. Not only have they lost income, but the oppressive situation under this pandemic places them under enormous emotional strain,” Binay said.
Binay said family caregivers should be given additional paid leaves, free medicine and hospital care for their loved ones, or reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Those who are unemployed should be given financial and other assistance, he added.
“’Yung nag-aalaga, dapat ding alagaan [Those who provide care should also be cared for],” Binay said.
The former vice president said family caregivers have been forced to take more time off from work, or have resigned to care full time for their elderly parents. They often pay for medicines and other costs for treatment, line up at drugstores, and bring their parents to doctors or to hospitals.
“Mahirap ang dinadaanan nila lalo na’t may pandemya, pero ginagawa nila ito dahil sa pagmamahal sa kanilang magulang [The pandemic has made their situation more difficult, but they do these out of love for their parents],” Binay said.