Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson plans to investigate alleged discrimination against senior citizens regarding pension payments, if he is elected to the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.
Lacson expressed his interest in reviewing relevant laws to identify potential legislative solutions after he learned about a specific case during a Konsultahang Bayan forum in Cebu last week.
“During the forum, a seaman mentioned that his parents were denied pension benefits supposedly because he is a seaman and earns a substantial income. This approach is misguided. We will examine this issue through legislation to create an institutionalized solution,” he explained.
Lacson emphasized that he will address the concerns not only of the parents of seafarers, but also of all senior citizens facing similar challenges due to existing pension laws.
“Assuming that all employed children of senior citizens are able to support their parents is extremely naïve,” he said.
Last Monday, Lacson highlighted the significant contribution of Filipino seafarers to the economy, pointing out that they are projected to remit approximately $6.94 billion in 2024 alone.
However, he noted that the costs associated with their education and training have become prohibitive, making it difficult for anyone other than those from wealthy families to afford it.
In some instances, parents are forced to deplete their savings and retirement funds to enable their children to pursue maritime courses.
