Senior citizens in the City of San Fernando are demanding answers over their legislated P500 annual cash gift, which they claim was not received from 2022 to 2024.
Officers from senior citizens’ associations have formally raised their concerns with the city council’s Committee on Senior Citizens, led by Councilor Cristina Lagman. In response, Lagman convened a meeting with barangay presidents to determine which barangays failed to distribute the cash aid meant for nearly 40,000 senior citizens.
During the discussion, it was revealed that in some barangays, beneficiaries received five kilograms of rice instead of cash. Lagman expressed frustration, emphasizing that the budget ordinance mandates cash, not goods, for elderly recipients. She assured senior citizens that the city council would investigate the matter to ensure transparency and accountability.
A representative from the city treasurer’s office clarified that the funds were disbursed as cash and that they were unaware of any conversions to rice.
Senior citizens are now urging local authorities to take swift action and ensure the rightful distribution of their benefits.