NCSC Backs Passage of Universal Social Pension Bill, Expansion of Senior Citizen Benefits

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) has expressed its full and unconditional support for the substitute bills filed in the House of Representatives that seek to expand benefits and strengthen social protection for Filipino senior citizens.

The proposed measures were presented and deliberated during the third regular meeting of the House Committee on Senior Citizens on 02 December 2025, presided over by Committee Chairperson Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay.

A major highlight of the substitute bills is the proposed institutionalization of a Universal Social Pension, which aims to provide all Filipino senior citizens with a monthly pension regardless of income status, subject to final legislative approval.

At the committee level, lawmakers agreed to recommend an initial ₱1,000 monthly pension for both indigent and non-indigent senior citizens, doubling the earlier proposal of ₱500.

NCSC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez urged the immediate passage of the bill, emphasizing the need for inclusive and equitable government support for the elderly.

“The State’s support for its elders should be inclusive and absolute, recognizing that the dignity of aging is a universal experience that transcends economic classification,” Atty. Gutierrez said in her submitted position paper.

“By establishing a universal pension that is a non-contributory monthly monetary grant, the law will finally erase the discriminatory lines drawn between the ‘indigent’ and the ‘pensioner,’” she added.

She also noted that all senior citizens should be entitled to the proposed pension regardless of any other benefits they may receive from other pension providers.

Atty. Gutierrez firmly believes that the passage of the bill would fundamentally redefine the scope of state care for the elderly in the Philippines. She assured that the NCSC is prepared to lead the formulation and implementation of the necessary rules and regulations once the measure is enacted, to ensure that benefits reach every qualified Filipino senior citizen.

In addition to the universal pension proposal, the Committee also discussed amendments to Republic Act No. 7432, which seek to expand existing senior citizen privileges. The substitute bill proposes updated mandatory discounts and VAT exemptions on basic goods, healthcare services, transportation, digital purchases, and other essential services.

Representing the NCSC during the meeting were Acting Executive Director Ana Marie C. Calapit, Head Executive Assistant Atty. Jasper Allen B. Barrientos, and Project Development Officer III Arwin Mancilla.

Also present and actively pushing legislation for senior citizens’ welfare were Representatives Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes, Jose C. Alvarez, Rosalie Ang Salvame, Loreto S. Amante, and Gerald Cloyd Alexis V. Galang.

Currently, the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC)—which provides a ₱1,000 monthly stipend under Republic Act No. 9994—is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Meanwhile, pursuant to Executive Order No. 96, the NCSC is an attached agency of the DSWD and is currently responsible for implementing the Expanded Centenarian Act (ECA) Cash Gift Distribution. ■