A new bill was filed in Congress giving P1,000 monthly stipend to senior citizens for their maintenance medicines.
The proposed legislation, House Bill (HB) No. 9569 or the Monthly Maintenance Medication Support Act for Senior Citizens was filed by House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin T. Tulfo and four other lawmaker.
In a statement issued last Monday,Tulfo disclosed the bill will provide much needed support to the elderly, for their medical needs.
“It acknowledges the fundamental importance of preserving and enhancing the health and well-being of senior citizens in our society,” Tulfo said.
The legislation recognized chronic illnesses suffered by the elderlies, usually requiring costly treatments, which impose a heavy financial burden on them and their families.
Thus it provides them with the stipend to allow them to afford their medicine and to recognize their contribution to the country’s economic growth and development over the years.
“By offering a monthly stipend of P1,000.00 for maintenance medications, this bill is designed to improve the quality of life of our senior citizens and ease the financial constraints they encounter, making it more feasible for them to access the medications they require,” the bill said.
Citing the latest Philippines Statistics Authority data, Tulfo said around 9.2 million senior citizens or Filipinos aged 60 and above in 2020 may benefit from the bill once it is passed into law.
It acknowledges that managing chronic diseases should not be compromised due to economic limitations,” the bill added. It also said, Aside from Tulfo, HB 9569 was also filed by ACT-CIS partylist representatives Jocelyn Tulfo and Edvic Yap, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon city 2nd District Rep. Ralph Tulfo.
