The Senate on Wednesday opened deliberations on proposals to expand social protection for senior citizens, with senators warning that the country must prepare for an elderly population projected to nearly triple in the next two decades.

During the hearing of the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo, lawmakers cited the urgent need to amend the Senior Citizens Act and strengthen programs that serve as lifelines for the elderly.

“Our senior citizens rely heavily on social protection programs for their daily survival and well-being,” Tulfo said, pointing to delays, inconsistencies, and exclusions in the implementation of the current social pension.

Data from the committee showed the elderly population is expected to grow from 7.6 million in 2015 to 22.6 million by 2045.

The senators noted that while the existing PHP500 monthly pension helps indigent seniors, many remain excluded and the amount is insufficient to cover food and medicine.

Several bills were presented, including proposals to grant a universal social pension of up to PHP1,500, provide a PHP1,000 subsidy for maintenance medicines, simplify access to medical and burial aid, and penalize discriminatory practices in the distribution of government assistance.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, in her manifestation, pushed for free maintenance medicines and vitamins for the elderly.

“Hindi lahat sa ating mga seniors ay may pambili ng gamot… Kaya’t dapat hindi na kailangang mag-alala ang ating mga lolo at lola kung saan kukunin ang pambili (Not all of our seniors can afford to buy medicine… That’s why our grandparents should no longer have to worry about where to get the money to pay for it),” she said. (PNA)