The Commission on Human Rights welcomes the Senate Bill 2506 approved by the House of Representatives, which seeks to raise the social pension of poor senior citizens from ₱1000 to the current ₱500. Senate Bill 2530 was also adopted, which provides for an exemption from income tax of the honoraria, allowances, and other financial benefits of teachers who served in the recently concluded national elections.

Once enacted into law, the said bill is expected to help alleviate the financial concerns that beset indigent senior citizens while also concretely honoring the hard work of poll watchers. CHR believes that this initiative would provide the elderly a more sustainable allowance as the prices of goods and medicines continue to rise. It also manifests respect to the rights of the elderly to enable them to attain dignified aging.

CHR equally appreciates the tax exemption for the teacher-poll watchers for this serves as a tangible incentive to honor their service and sacrifice during the crucial election period. It is a well-deserved compensation for their hard work in ensuring our right to vote.

The said bill exemplifies Article II, Section 9 of the Constitution to enact policies that will help ensure a better standard of living for all. It is also in line with the social justice and human rights provisions of the constitution that tasks the government to uplift the lives of the common people to ensure equity.

CHR is hopeful for the swift passage of the proposed bill to ensure that indigent seniors and poll workers can immediately enjoy the benefits given the rising cost of goods and services. We look forward to similar equal efforts that will alleviate the plight of vulnerable sectors. ###