I feel respected because not only does somebody think I have a brain, they make me use it, too. —From a retired senior citizen who was rehired to work once more
I am one of the X-Men — among lots of friends and acquaintances who now lead lives being ex-policemen, ex-accountants, ex-engineers, ex-lawyers, ex-educators, ex-administrators, ex-judges, ex-marketing executives, ex-artists, ex-theater actors and ex-professionals who were once in demand in a past world who needed their talent and skills.
All of us had been masters in their chosen careers and some were even in charge of entire departments at the center of operations in companies, corporations, organizations or institutions.
Then, upon reaching the ripe old age of 60 to 65, we were mandatorily ex-cluded from productive society and relegated to one corner and forced to keep quiet and feel content that we are still alive — although indicative of no longer being needed and at times a burden to society.
In a lonely corner, we are expected to stay and wait for the dole outs, despite the pensions received by some of us, which barely cover the medicines, supplements, food and other necessities.
UNIVERSAL SOCIAL PENSION
Recently, I joined fellow senior citizens, who rallied outside the Senate’s compound, to urge President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s elder sister, lady senator Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” Marcos-Manotoc, to take action on the Upper Chamber’s pending version of House Bill 20423, or the Universal Social Pension.
This bill was passed recently in the Lower Chamber on third and final reading after gaining the nod of majority of members of the House of Representatives to push for the passage of the measure granting a monthly stipend of ₱500 to all senior citizens (60 years old and above).
Apparently, in spite the contributions we have given to our country in its development as a democratic nation, our lawmakers, particularly PBBM’s sister Imee, see us in our dotage as undeserving to even a miniscule portion of public funds that is actually worth only ₱500 at the current situation.
Thank you, Ma’am, for your “indifference” and “insensitivity”.
But what our legislators have overlooked is the fact that we would rather have the opportunity to earn on our own capacities than receive subsidies from the government.
Rather than cash handouts, why not give us interest-free loans or funding assistance to turn our hobbies into worthwhile sustainable enterprises?
FUNDS FOR HEALTHCARE
It is a reality that most seniors would want to continue working beyond retirement age, for various reasons — some miss the challenges and mental stimulation that go with having a job while others want to explore interests they were too busy to pursue previously, and, of course, many seniors want funds to pay for their growing health-care needs.
Instead of giving us privileges and entitlements, it is more appropriate for our leaders and officials to find ways to “un-retire” us. Laws and policies have to be created to give us retired seniors with opportunities to become productive once again, even as part-timers.
Rather than cash handouts, why not give us interest-free loans or funding assistance to turn our hobbies into worthwhile sustainable enterprises? Or else, allow us to continue working beyond 65.
FOR your comments or suggestions, complaints or requests, just send a message through my email at cipcab2006@yahoo.com or text me at cellphone numbers 09171656792 or 09171592256 during office hours from Monday to Friday. Thank you and mabuhay!