Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. is pushing for a universal social pension that will ensure every Filipino senior citizen receives ₱2,000 monthly assistance, regardless of income, status, or residence.
Under House Bill No. 5068, or the proposed Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens Act, Lazatin envisions a country where no elderly Filipino is left behind — where every lolo and lola can live with dignity, comfort, and care.
“After a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice, our seniors deserve security and respect. The least we can do is to give back by ensuring they live their twilight years without worrying about their next meal or medicine,” Lazatin said.
The bill, filed on October 2, 2025, seeks to institutionalize a nationwide pension program through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Land Bank of the Philippines will assist in establishing the beneficiary database and payout systems, while the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will adjust pension amounts according to the Consumer Price Index.
Lazatin’s compassion for the elderly has long been at the heart of his public service. In July 202*, he also filed House Bill 2422, which mandates the establishment of “Bale Pusu” homes for the elderly in every city and municipality — safe havens patterned after the pioneering Bale Pusu Home for Abandoned Female Elderly he built in Angeles City in 2021 when he was mayor.
During his term as mayor, Lazatin spearheaded pro-senior programs — delivering free medicines, vitamins, and vaccinations directly to homes. Now as congressman, he continues to visit bedridden seniors across Mabalacat City and Magalang, personally providing financial aid, rice, and medical checkups from his own funds.
“Ang matatanda ang haligi ng ating lipunan. Hindi dapat sila nakakalimutan. Hangga’t kaya ko, ipaglalaban ko ang kanilang karapatan,” Lazatin said.
Through his continuing initiatives, Congressman Lazatin hopes to build a country where aging is not a burden, but a stage of life honored with love, dignity, and care.
