Cebu City Legislator Wants to Hike Cash Aid to Senior Citizens to PHP15,000 a Year

A Cebu City councilor is pushing for the increase of the annual financial assistance to all qualified senior citizens in the city from PHP12,000 to PHP15,000.

Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales said there are some necessary expenses for senior citizens to maintain their health and comfort.

He said PHP1,000 a month is just not enough.

He said the elderly have been clamoring for a raise in assistance.

Andales said the city has “huge money” from the sale of lots at the South Road Properties (SRP) to fund the increase.

“Let them enjoy on their twilight stages in life. Let us care and love them,” he said.

Andales has passed a resolution asking the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office and the City Budget Office to study and make recommendations on the matter.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he had asked the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs to study and make recommendations on the move to raise the cash aid.

But Rama said the council should first continue to discuss the proposed PHP3.32-billion first supplemental budget (SB 1), which has long been stalled. (PNA) LAP/EB/SSC