Photo Release

Imee defends budget of senior citizens’ body: Sen. Imee Marcos responds to questions of Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III at the plenary deliberation on the proposed P193-million budget of the National Commission on Senior Citizens Thursday, November 17, 2022. Pimentel expressed concern about the possibility of replicating the structure and manpower of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the distribution of social pension benefits to senior citizens. Marcos explained that in terms of personnel, the Commission was able to get the approval of the Department of Budget and Management for 200 plantilla positions and only 57 DSWD personnel will have to be transferred to the body. Marcos also stressed that under Republic Act No. 11350 or the National Commission of Senior Citizens Act, it is the commission that will ensure the full implementation of laws, policies and programs pertaining to the sector and that “it is not merely a policy or planning agency, but also an implementing one.” (Joseph Vidal/ Senate PRIB)