Vetoing a portion of the national budget should never be viewed merely as reserved funds or savings. For me, the ₱92 billion vetoed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the 2026 National Budget actually presents an opportunity to reassess our priorities and redirect public funds to where they are most urgently needed—and to those who deserve them most.
Amid the continuous rise in the prices of basic goods and the increasing burden faced by many Filipinos just to survive each day, I firmly believe that reallocating a substantial portion, if not all, of the vetoed amount to the proposed Universal Social Pension would be far more beneficial. The national budget is not merely a list of government expenditures; it is a reflection of the values and priorities we choose as a nation.
Senior citizens remain among the most vulnerable sectors of our society. Many of them live on pensions that are painfully inadequate to meet their daily needs. A lot of elderlies are forced to make difficult choices between food and medicine, and between necessities and survival.
At a stage in life when they should finally be experiencing comfort, dignity, and peace of mind, countless older Filipinos continue to grapple with uncertainty, financial strain, and the constant worry of how to get by each day.
As your Senior Citizens Party List representative, I have refiled the Universal Social Pension bill in Congress to ensure that all senior citizens, regardless of social or economic background, receive regular and sufficient support from the government.
This measure is not a privilege—it is a recognition of the lifelong contributions of our elderly, who worked hard, paid taxes, and built the families and communities that form the very backbone of our nation today.
I sincerely hope that the President will give due consideration to this proposal. The ₱92 billion vetoed from the 2026 budget has the potential to uplift millions of senior citizens and give them the dignified life they truly deserve. Prioritizing our elderly is a clear demonstration of a compassionate government that genuinely listens to the needs of its people.
The question is simple: where should the people’s money go? For me, the answer is clear. Our senior citizens—who served this country for decades—deserve recognition, respect, and meaningful support.
