City Councilor advocates for PHP 15,000 assistance for elderly citizens
Cebu City Councilor Proposes Increase in Annual Cash Aid for Senior Citizens
Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales has proposed an increase in the annual cash aid for Cebu City-registered senior citizens, from the current amount of P12,000 to P15,000. The proposal, which was presented in a privilege speech on August 12, 2025, aims to address the rising cost of basic commodities and the erosion of the value of the current aid due to inflation.
Under the ordinance, eligible senior citizens currently receive P3,000 quarterly, for a total of P12,000 a year. Councilor Andales' proposal seeks to increase this amount to P15,000 annually. The proposal has been supported by a council motion and has been referred to the Committee on Budget and Finance and the Committee on Senior Citizens Affairs.
The proposed increase would provide more adequate financial support to senior citizens, helping them better cope with inflation and improving their dignity and compassion towards them. However, the city faces a funding shortfall of approximately P30.7 million to fully cover current beneficiaries at the proposed increased amount.
In addition to the proposed increase, Councilor Andales has also proposed an adjustment to the eligibility requirements for the financial assistance. Andales has asked the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) to gather a comprehensive data on the demographics of senior citizens and the number of current beneficiaries, with a view to expanding the coverage of the aid.
Andales, who is a senior citizen himself, stated that the current annual assistance of P12,000 is no longer sufficient due to inflation and the high cost of living. He emphasised that this initiative is not just about numbers, but about honouring the vital contributions of senior citizens to the city's development.
The proposed adjustment includes changing the cutoff year for beneficiaries from 2013 to 2021, which would increase the number of qualified senior beneficiaries. Cebu City is also working on cleaning the beneficiary list by removing deceased seniors to ensure funds are properly allocated.
"Let us make Cebu City Government a city that cares -- not only in word, but more importantly, in action," said Councilor Andales. The city council is now considering the proposal and is expected to take action soon.
[1] Cebu City Council Ordinance No. 2453, as amended by Ordinance 2529 [2] Cebu City Budget and Finance Department [3] Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) [4] Cebu City Council Minutes of Proceedings, August 12, 2025
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