THE National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) yesterday denied claims in social media that new pensions ranging from P1,000 to P3,000 are being distributed to senior citizens.
NCSC chairman Franklin Quijano, during the Public Briefing program of government station PTV 4, said only the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is giving out social pension to indigent senior citizens that was recently raised to P1,000 from P500 via Republic Act 11916 or the Act Increasing the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens.
Quijano made the announcement following reports in social media that the NCSC has been giving out social pensions to all senior citizens in the amount of P1,000 to P3,000.
He said distributing pension is not yet among the functions of the NCSC, adding it is currently being done by DSWD.
He said the function will be transferred to NCSC in three years’ time, adding preparations for the transfer had started.
He said the NCSC has drafted the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11916 and are awaiting its publication which is expected by March 6. He said they would also sit down with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian about the transition and process of transferring the functions to distribute social pensions to elders to the Commission.
In the meantime, Quijano suggested that DSWD should use cash cards and local remittance centers in distributing the monthly social pension of indigent elders.
He said this will address the issue of lack or insufficient manpower and prevent delays in distribution.
