April 24, 2024 - Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr., has called for increased protection of Filipino senior citizens by making medicines and supplements more affordable for them. During the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development hearing held on Wednesday, Revilla emphasized that the State must provide the necessary aid to senior citizens to ensure they can afford these essential products.
Revilla expressed optimism that Senate Bill No. 262, also known as the Abot-Kayang Gamot, Bitamina at Gatas Para sa Malusog na Senior Citizen Act, which he authored, would be passed for the welfare of the elderly. This bill aims to make vitamins, medicines, and supplements not only accessible but also affordable for senior citizens.
The senator highlighted the financial struggles faced by many senior citizens, stating, “If we think about it, the pension they receive is not enough to cover their daily needs… let’s not squeeze and burden our senior citizens.”
This initiative is a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the financial challenges faced by the elderly population in the Philippines, particularly in accessing necessary healthcare products. The passage of this bill could mark a significant improvement in the quality of life for many senior citizens across the country.