Rama: Seniors might still claim forfeited cash aid

CEBU, Philippines - Senior citizens in Cebu City whose cash aid from the city government had been forfeited might be given a chance to still claim it, said Mayor Michael Rama.

“I would like to talk with the treasurer how it can be a possibility so that those who failed to get the financial assistance can still claim it,” Rama said yesterday before reporters.

The City forfeited around P5.3 million cash aid from last month’s distribution due to the failure of nearly 2,000 beneficiaries to claim each of their P3,000 share.

Records of the city treasurer’s cash and disbursement division show that senior citizens in the south district failed to claim P2.8 million intended for them while the south district has P2.5 million unclaimed cash.

Rama said as long as it is lawful to release the forfeited amount, the beneficiaries can still claim their share.

“If it can still be allowable and legal because naa may ginganlan og extension, why not? Ay sus, kagamay ana (P5.3 million),” he said.

As per city’s guidelines, the elderly are given 15 days to claim the cash aid before this is forfeited.

This was not followed, though, as last month’s distribution was done only in seven days.

City treasurer Diwa Cuevas said the 15-day target is only applicable if the year is not about to end.

In totality, each senior citizen has received a total of P10,000 out of the P12,000 cash aid from the city last year.

Rama reiterated his promise that they will surely release the remaining P2,000.

“I’ve never promised that I will not give. The balance will be paid,” he said.

As to when it will be given, Rama said it will depend upon the CTO considering that they are currently busy collecting taxes.

“For as long as people will continue paying taxes, there will be no such thing as liability that’s not being paid. May not be too soon, but it will going to be definitely be paid,” the mayor added. — Mechelle P. Florita/NSA (FREEMAN)