Bong Go vows more benefits for senior citizens

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s senior citizens should be loved and respected by the people, according to former special assistant to the president Christopher “Bong” Go, who vowed to push measures for the welfare of the elderly.

“Malungkot isipin na marami sa matanda sa Pilipinas ay nahihirapang matugunan ang kanilang pangangailangan (It is sad to think that a majority of the elderly in the country are having difficulties meeting their needs),” Go said in a radio interview on Saturday.

Go, who is running for the Senate in the May elections, said he would look into the possibility of either increasing the current 20 percent discount on the medicine of the senior citizens or make it entirely free if funds are available.

He welcomed the approval on third and final reading of Senate Bill 2159, which seeks to create the National Commission of Senior Citizens.

The commission will ensure effective implementation of all laws, policies, programs and projects intended to promote and protect the rights and well-being of senior citizens.

“We will ensure adequate funding through the oversight function of the Senate to better manage and address the needs of the elderly,” Go said.