NCSC Supports Universal Social Pension Bill For Filipino Senior Citizens

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) expressed full support for the proposed Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens Bill, during the Senate hearing of the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development on 20 August 2025 at the Sen. Laurel Room, Senate Bldg., Pasay City.

NCSC Chairperson and CEO Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche emphasized that the Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens Bill will empower elderly Filipinos to better meet their basic needs during their golden years.

Dr. Loreche also highlighted that the measure will play a vital role in strengthening the economic security of senior citizens across the country.

The plenary session was presided over by Committee Chairperson Senator Erwin Tulfo, who is also an author of the Simplified Government Aid Access Act and the Anti-Discrimination in the Delivery of Social Protection Programs Act.

Senators Risa Hontiveros, Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Mark Villar, and Bam Aquino are among the lawmakers who have filed bills amending the Republic Act No. 7432 aimed at providing integrated benefits for older persons.

The NCSC expressed optimism that the Senior Citizens' Social Pension Program will soon be turned over by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), noting that the Commission is fully prepared to implement the program under the provisions of

Republic Act No. 11350.

Additionally, the NCSC welcomes the proposed measure introduced by Senator Loren Legarda that seeks to provide monthly maintenance medication support for senior citizens.

In a separate engagement, the NCSC also took part in the organizational meeting and public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, which tackled several health-related measures.

Dr. Loreche emphasized the importance of comprehensive and evidence-based guidelines to ensure the effective implementation of these bills, especially those that will strengthen geriatric healthcare programs and services nationwide.

The NCSC urged legislators to formally include the Commission in all proposed laws and to establish a Technical Working Group (TWG) that will refine regulatory mechanisms and policy provisions. ■