Three councilors in Cebu City have proposed amending City Ordinance 2453 to include senior citizens who registered as voters in 2014, potentially allowing thousands of elderly residents on the waiting list to receive the annual P12,000 financial assistance.
Proposed Amendment Details
The amendment, filed by Councilors Nyza “Nice” Archival, Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr., and Harry Eran, seeks to revise the voter registration cutoff year from 2013 to 2014. Currently, only senior citizens registered as voters in Cebu City in 2013 or earlier are eligible for the annual cash aid.
The proposed measure is now pending deliberation by the city council’s committees on laws, senior citizens, and finance.
Expanding Coverage
According to the proposed ordinance, many senior citizens who registered in 2014 remain unable to access the city’s assistance program despite meeting other qualifications and continuing to wait for inclusion. The council stated it is necessary to expand the coverage of Ordinance 2453 to reflect the city’s policy direction in identifying qualified beneficiaries.
The amendment is part of ongoing efforts by the city government to broaden social welfare support for elderly residents, especially amid rising prices of goods and increasing demand for financial assistance among senior citizens.
