Cebu City Mayor Rejects Senior Aid Increase, Prioritizes Waitlist Clearance
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has firmly declined a proposal to increase financial assistance for senior citizens, emphasizing that the city must first address the backlog of thousands of seniors awaiting enrollment in the program. During an interview on SunStar's Beyond the Headline, Mayor Archival explained that before considering any hike in aid amounts, the priority should be ensuring all eligible seniors receive support.
Current Assistance Levels and Budget Constraints
Currently, senior citizens in Cebu City receive P1,000 per month, totaling P12,000 annually. Mayor Archival highlighted that this is already among the highest monthly stipends provided to seniors across the Philippines. The program represents a significant portion of the city's budget, costing approximately P1.4 billion out of a total P13-billion budget.
"Before we talk about increasing the amount, we have to look at the seniors who have not yet received any assistance," Archival stated. He pointed out that the city's actual collected revenues often fall short of the official budget figures, limiting the capacity to expand spending without jeopardizing fiscal stability.
Growing Waitlist and Councilor's Proposal
The city currently assists around 100,000 seniors who registered as voters in 2013 or earlier. However, a substantial waitlist of more than 30,000 newer seniors has applied for aid but remains without financial support. This situation prompted Councilor Sisinio Andales to propose raising the annual assistance to P15,000, citing rising costs of food and medicine that strain seniors' livelihoods.
Mayor Archival responded to this proposal by arguing that it would be unfair to increase benefits for some while others receive nothing. "If we increase the assistance now, the problem is that some seniors... will not receive anything. That is not fair," he explained. The mayor's stance underscores a commitment to equitable distribution before enhancement.
Addressing 'Ghost' Beneficiaries and Program Integrity
To maintain program integrity, Mayor Archival defended the monthly distribution system, which helps identify and eliminate "ghost" beneficiaries—individuals listed but not residing in Cebu City. With 130,000 names currently on the roster, some may be living elsewhere. The monthly payout allows the city to monitor attendance; beneficiaries who miss three consecutive months are removed, freeing up slots for those on the waitlist.
This approach not only combats fraud but also ensures that resources are allocated efficiently. The mayor emphasized that any future increases in aid will depend on economic growth and improved tax collection, as the city cannot spend beyond its means.
Future Outlook and Priorities
Mayor Archival did not specify a timeline for potential aid increases, reiterating that the primary goal is to ensure every eligible senior receives their fair share first. By focusing on clearing the waitlist and enhancing program oversight, Cebu City aims to build a more sustainable and just assistance framework for its aging population.
