De Lima honors elderly, vows to continue promoting their rights

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima honored the contributions of elderly Filipinos in shaping today's youth and molding them to be responsible members of the society.

The first week of October, through Proclamation No. 470 signed by then-President Fidel Ramos on Sept. 26, 1994, has been declared as Elderly Filipino Week. The observance aims to increase public awareness on the different issues concerning senior citizens.

De Lima, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, vowed that she will continue promoting and protecting the rights of the senior citizens to ensure that their voices and concerns are properly heard and addressed.

"Bilang mambabatas, na isa na ring senior citizen, tuloy-tuloy ang pagsisikap nating tukuyin at tugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga kasama natin sa sektor na ito."

"Nariyan ang pagsasabatas natin, bilang principal sponsor and co-author, ng Republic Act (RA) No. 11350 o pagtatatag ng National Commission of Senior Citizens na titiyak sa pangangalaga ng karapatan at kapakanan ng ating mga senior citizen," she said.

"Isinusulong din natin ang Senate Bill (SB) No. 1973, o ang 'Abot-Kayang Gamot, Bitamina at Gatas para sa Malusog na Senior Citizens Act' na nagpapalawak sa saklaw ng 20% na discount at exemption sa Value Added Tax (VAT) ng senior citizens para sa mga gamot, supplements, vitamins, formulated milk at herbal products na inirekomenda ng mga doctor," she added.

The lady Senator from Bicol said the Filipino people should work together to ensure an inclusive and just society for senior citizens that will allow them to thrive.

"Mahalaga sa atin ang pagtataguyod ng makatao at makatarungang pagtrato sa mga nakatatanda, sa paglaban sa diskriminasyon batay sa edad, sa tahanan man o sa trabahong kanilang pinapasukan," she said.

"Sama-sama, nagkakaisa nating tahakin ang isang patas na bukas para sa lahat, na may tunay na malasakit at pagpapahalaga sa buhay at dignidad ng ating mga kababayan," she added.