Cebu City Council Approves Ordinance to Reinstate Quarterly P3,000 Senior Citizen Aid
The Cebu City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance that reinstates the quarterly release of P3,000 in cash assistance for qualified senior citizens in Cebu City. This measure, which now awaits the signature of Mayor Nestor Archival, aims to streamline the distribution of the P12,000 annual aid through barangay-level disbursing officers and establishes clear procedures for claims involving bedridden and deceased beneficiaries.
Streamlined Distribution and Enhanced Transparency
Filed by Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr., the ordinance was approved without opposition. It further amends City Ordinance 2453, as amended by Ordinance 2579, to clarify procedures for the distribution, claiming, and forfeiture of the financial assistance. The amendments are designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and access for qualified senior citizens while aligning with Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Under the new guidelines, the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca), in coordination with the City Treasurer's Office (CTO), the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), and the City Accounting Office, must notify barangays at least one week before each scheduled cash release. Distribution will be conducted at the barangay level through authorized disbursing officers with the assistance of barangay officials.
Claim Procedures and Forfeiture Rules
Senior citizens who fail to claim their assistance during the barangay distribution may do so at the CTO within ten working days from the scheduled release. Unclaimed assistance beyond this period will revert to the city's General Fund and be deemed forfeited. The ordinance also outlines specific procedures for bedridden or physically incapacitated seniors. Immediate family members may claim the assistance on their behalf, subject to verification and prior approval by Osca and the submission of required documents. The same rules apply to seniors residing outside Cebu City.
If a senior citizen dies, immediate family members may claim the financial assistance due before or at the time of death. However, unclaimed benefits beyond the ten-day period will be forfeited. Immediate family members are defined as the surviving spouse, children (legitimate, illegitimate, or legally adopted), parents, siblings, and nephews or nieces, in that order of preference.
Special Provisions for Bedridden Seniors
For bedridden seniors living within Cebu City, barangays will coordinate with the Gender and Development (Gad) focal person to facilitate the release of assistance at the beneficiary's residence. A certified list of bedridden seniors must be submitted to the CTO through Osca during the scheduled distribution. All claimants must present their original Osca-issued Senior Citizen ID. Family members claiming on behalf of a deceased beneficiary must also present the deceased's Osca ID, a death certificate, proof of relationship, and a valid government-issued ID.
Cebu City currently has more than 100,000 qualified senior citizens eligible for the P12,000 annual assistance. With the council's approval, the quarterly P3,000 distribution will resume once Archival signs the ordinance. In the meantime, the City will continue its current monthly distribution to ensure seniors receive timely financial support.
