A senator has filed a bill seeking to establish a National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) to look after the welfare and rights of Filipino senior citizens.

“Our Filipino senior citizens have contributed immensely to the growth and progress of the country,” Senator Bam Aquino said in his Senate Bill No. 2737 or the Senior Citizen Act of 2015.

“As they reach the twilight of their lives, it is our responsibility as a society to ensure their rights and privileges, and that proper accommodation is given to them,” he emphasized.

As a national agency, Sen. Bam said the NCSC will formulate and implement policies, plans, and programs that promote senior rights and privileges or address issues plaguing the sector.

“With sectors such as the youth, women, and persons with disabilities having a specialized body catering to their constituents, it is about time that our Filipino seniors are awarded their own commission as well to ensure that no Filipino gets left behind,” added Sen. Bam.

Under the bill, Section 11 of Republic Act 7432 or the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010 will be amended, abolishing the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board and replacing it with NCSC.

It will be spearheaded by a chairperson and commissioners from a list submitted by senior citizens organizations and associations.

Regional commissions for senior citizens will also be established in different local government units to effectively address the needs of the elderly in the provinces.