Villanueva seeks free health care, jobs for seniors, PWDs from LGUs
by Vanne Elaine TerrazolaSenator Joel Villanueva has proposed to mandate local government units (LGUs) to provide free healthcare benefits and job opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs).
Villanueva recently filed Senate Bill No. 1278, which seeks to amend the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160) and include in the priorities and programs of LGUs the welfare and rights of their senior citizen residents and PWDs.
In his bill, he noted that Section 6 of RA 7160 allows LGUs to exercise all powers necessary for governance and the promotion of the general welfare of the people, but said that it also gives them the “freedom to focus and prioritize issues which are most pressing in their jurisdictions.”
“Improving the plight of and giving extra care to our senior citizens and PWDs are equally pressing,” Villanueva pointed out.
He added that the government should invest in ensuring their “full integration” as productive members of society.
Villanueva said his proposed amendments will result in formulation of policies and implementation of welfare programs for senior citizens and PWDs, particularly the creation of free healthcare and employment programs.
He also proposed to mandate LGUs to ensure that they be given “convenient, easy, and priority access” to government services, utilities, and facilities.
If signed into law, the bill tasks the Department of Interior and Local Government, in coordination with stakeholders, to promulgate its implementing rules and regulations.