Elderly groups back Sen. Bam's bill creating commission for senior citizens

Different senior citizens organizations have expressed support for the passage of Sen. Bam Aquino's measure seeking to create a National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) to ensure that rights and privileges they are entitled to are properly given to them.

Officials and members of the different organizations met with Sen. Bam at the Senate Monday and aired their full support for the enactment of Senate Bill No. 674 into law.

The groups include the NAPC Senior Citizens Sectoral Council, Federation of Senior Citizens of the Philippines (FSCAP), Confederation of Older Persons Association of the Philippines (COPAP), Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc. (COSE), and Pederasyon ng Maralitang Nakakatanda (PAMANA) with DSWD, NCDA, CWC, and House Committees on Government Reorganization and on Population and Family Relations.

As former chairman of the National Youth Commission, Sen. Bam underscored the importance of having such a commission for a specific sector of society.

"If we have one for the youth, we should definitely have one for senior citizens as acknowledgement of their contribution to the growth and progress of the country," said Sen. Bam.

"As they reach the twilight of their lives, it is our responsibility to take care of our seniors, and uphold their rights and privileges," said Sen. Bam.

According to the senator, the commission will ensure the proper implementation of Republic Act 7432 or the Senior Citizens Act of 2015, with the best interests of our country's seniors at heart.

"As a national agency, the NCSC will formulate and implement policies, plans, and programs that promote senior rights and privileges or address issues plaguing the sector," Sen. Bam stressed.

The bill seeks to amend Section 11 of Republic Act 7432 or the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010, abolishing the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board and replacing it with NCSC.

The council will be spearheaded by a chairperson and commissioners from a list submitted by senior citizens organizations and associations.

"Regional commissions for senior citizens will also be established in different local government units to effectively address the needs of the elderly in the provinces," said Sen. Bam.