By Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday reiterated the warning of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) against false claims regarding ATM (automated teller machine) card distribution and illegal deductions from cash gifts intended for senior citizens.
The NCSC had repeatedly said it did not issue ATM or bank cards to the elderly for claiming assistance, pension or cash gifts.
The clarification followed the circulation of an online video claiming that ATM cards will be given to indigent senior citizens nationwide.
The NCSC said the bank transfer system being implemented in selected regions is merely an optional mode of claiming the PHP10,000 or PHP100,000 cash gift under the Expanded Centenarians Act for milestone ages 80, 85, 90, 95 and 100.
The Commission also reminded that the PHP10,000 cash gift under the law must be received in full by qualified beneficiaries, without any deduction or collection. Any form of deduction, collection or request for payment in exchange for the PHP10,000 cash gift is illegal and punishable by law.
In a statement, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said senior citizens must be protected from misinformation and financial exploitation.
“Nakikiisa po ang DSWD sa paalala ng NCSC. Napakahalaga po na malinaw ang impormasyon pagdating sa mga benepisyo ng ating mga senior citizens. Marami po sa kanila ang umaasa sa mga programang ito para sa kanilang pangangailangan, kaya hindi natin dapat hayaang maloko o malinlang sila ng maling balita o paniningil na walang basehan (The DSWD is one with the NCSC in warning the public. It is important that information on benefits for seniors is clear. Many of them depend on these programs for their needs. They must not be deceived by false information or baseless collections),” she said.
Dumlao said safeguarding indigent senior citizens is part of the DSWD’s broader mandate to protect vulnerable sectors.
“Tungkulin ng DSWD na tiyakin na ang ating mga nakatatanda ay napo-protektahan laban sa pang-aabuso, pananamantala, at maling impormasyon. Lagi pong bukas ang ating Departamento na makipag-ugnayan at makipagtulungan sa NCSC upang maiparating ang tamang impormasyon at agad maaksyunan ang anumang reklamo ng ating mga lolo’t lola (It is the responsibility of the DSWD to ensure that the elderly are protected from abuse, exploitation and false information. The DSWD is always ready to coordinate and cooperate with the NCSC to convey the right information and take immediate action on any complaints from our elderly),” she said. (PNA)
