Ang Tinig ng Senior Citizens Partylist Representatives, Engr. Rauf Manalasal and RJ Javellana, aim to amplify the voices of senior citizens inside and outside Congress.
“Dapat nating palakasin ang boses ng mga seniors sa loob at labas ng Kongreso sapagkat marami pang dapat gawin na legislation,“ Javellana stated in the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Wednesday.
Manalasal emphasized their commitment to ensuring that no senior citizen is neglected, including those in Moro and Muslim communities, by securing pensions, free medical services, and government support.
“Ang aming adhikain ay tiyakin na walang senior citizen sa ating bansa na napapabayaan, kagaya ng mayroon silang sapat na pension, libreng serbisyong medikal, at suporta mula sa gobyerno,” he said.
“Tiyakin sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa at itaas ang kalidad ng buhay ng mga senior,” Manalasal added.
Expanding senior citizens’ benefits and rights
According to Javellana, while existing laws provide discounts to senior citizens, these benefits must be expanded to better address their needs.
He also stressed that government support should allow seniors to use their savings for necessities like medicine, daily expenses, and food without feeling the burden of relying on their children or grandchildren.
"Tama lang na gantimpalaan ng pamahalaan ang mga senior citizen para gumaan ang kanilang buhay," he said.
The partylist is also pushing for higher discounts on electricity and water bills for senior citizens. Javellana argued that the current 5% discount is too small, particularly for elderly couples living alone.
They are also proposing the establishment of dedicated hospitals for seniors in every city and municipality to ensure their healthcare needs are met without financial strain.
"Dapat hindi ito hinihingi; dapat kusa na itong inilalatag ng pamahalaan," Javellana stressed.
Employment and business incentives
The partylist also aims to encourage businesses to hire senior citizens by providing tax incentives to companies employing elderly workers.
"Isa sa isusulong natin ay yung mga businesses, kung magkaroon ng incentives sa kanila kung i-employ nila yung kanilang mga senior citizen," Javellana explained.
Proposed health and welfare programs
If given a chance to take a seat in Congress, the group advocates for expanding free medical healthcare and establishing a home-based care program, particularly for senior citizens in remote areas who struggle to access hospitals and medicine.
"Ating isusulong ang expanded free medical healthcare at home-based care program na pwede nating puntahan sila sa kanilang mga lugar. Kasi yung ibang mga senior hindi nakakalabas, especially ang mga taga-Mindanao," Manalasal explained.
They are also pushing for an Elder Protection Law that would establish a dedicated hotline for seniors to immediately report their concerns or seek assistance.
Additionally, Javellana pointed out the urgent need to build more homes for the aged facilities, as current centers in Metro Manila have limited capacity to accommodate seniors who lack family support.
Stronger representation in local government
“Isa pa sa tinitulak ni Congressman Arquiza noong 13th at 14th Congress ay ang tinatawag na pagbibigay ng boses sa sangguniang panlalawigan o sangguniang probinsya. Dapat awtomatiko na merong kinatawan ang mga senior citizen sa City Council o sa Provincial Board. Bakit ito mahalaga? Parang SK—may awtomatikong representation through the SK Federation sa City at Provincial Board para mapangalagaan ang tinig ng senior citizen,” Javellana pointed out.
The partylist is committed to continuing the advocacy of Congressman Godofredo Arquiza, former representative of Ang Tinig ng Senior Citizens Partylist, for the automatic inclusion of senior citizens in local government councils under the proposed Sangguniang Nakakatanda, similar to the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation in city, municipal, and provincial boards.
“Ilapit natin ang batas sa lahat para patas ang ating trato sa bawat isa. Marami pang pwedeng gawin para sa senior citizens,” Javellana said.
According to them, this will provide seniors with an institutionalized platform to raise their concerns and influence local policies.
Javellana urged the government to adopt best practices from cities like Makati and Marikina, where seniors enjoy free parking and other privileges.
Manalasal summarized their core advocacy as KKK, which stands for Kabuhayan, Kalusugan, at Karapatan for senior citizens.
The partylist reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equal rights and benefits for all senior citizens, regardless of economic status.
"Karapatan ng tao, mayaman o mahirap, ibigay sa kaniya yung nakasaad sa Saligang Batas," Javellana concluded.
With the 2025 elections approaching, Ang Tinig ng Senior Citizens Party-list hopes to secure a seat in Congress to push for policies that uplift and protect the rights of the elderly.
