While prices of basic commodities are increasing including transport fare and services and doctor’s fees, the discount given to senior citizens are very minimal, or ground level to say the least. After 17 long years, the discounts remain the same. This is aggravated by the callousness of the senior citizens party list representatives.
I suggest to our senators and congressmen to join hands in alleviating the plight of senior citizens by passing a law that will give the following benefits and privileges:
1. Increase the present discount of 20% to 40% - one time increase only;
2. Exempt senior citizens from paying realty tax on residential lots;
3. Increase the discount on the use of water and electricity from 5% to 25% provided it will not exceed 50 cu. m. and 150 Kwh in electricity, provided that meters are in the name of senior citizens;
4. Increase the discount on the purchase of prime and basic commodities from 5% to 25% provided the amount of purchase shall not exceed P2,000/month;
5. Increase monthly social pension to P1,500 for first five years including those paid by LGUs. Whatever benefits given by the national government to seniors the LGUs shall do the same;
6. Increase death benefit from P2,000 to P10,000;
7. Provide free funeral and burial services to poor senior citizens who die like the city of Dasmariñas in Cavite;
8. Mandate all LGUs to establish a private cemetery exclusively for senior citizens for free;
9. Senior citizens who reach age of 85 and up be given a special benefit of P100,000 and those who happen to reach the century mark be given P1 million.
I implore our senators and congressmen to be more generous. Our days are already numbered. Let the senior citizens feel the care and love of our government while they are on the last stage of their lives. – WENCESLAO T. JOMAO-AS, concerned senior citizens