By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) has launched an investigation into alleged political interference in the distribution of cash benefits under the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024 in Iloilo City.
The probe follows a February 27 letter from City Administrator Melchor Tan, who requested the commission’s intervention after senior citizens in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala Uno claimed they were unjustly delisted from the roster due to political affiliations.
The city government had earlier received complaints from elderly residents in the barangay, alleging exclusion from the list of beneficiaries.
Tan also raised concerns about a February 28 cash distribution event reportedly organized by the office of lone district representative Julienne “JamJam” Baronda without proper coordination with City Hall.
“The NCSC shall look into the matter and gather necessary information about the issues,” NCSC-6 officer-in-charge Dr. Mary Jean Loreche said in a March 4 letter response.
Loreche clarified that the Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) and the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) are responsible for receiving applications and documentary requirements.
She emphasized that the NCSC only validates applications and distributes cash gifts based on an approved list of beneficiaries.
“With regard to the distribution of the cash gifts, the NCSC regional office shall coordinate with the LGUs and notify the mayor, through the LSWDO and OSCA, about the final approved list of eligible beneficiaries,” Loreche said.
She further stressed that NCSC guidelines clearly delineate the functions of concerned offices, from application processing to cash gift distribution.
“The NCSC was in no way involved in the alleged delisting of qualified beneficiaries,” Loreche said, reiterating that the commission remains a non-partisan government agency and does not engage in political activities.
Under the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024, senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 95 are entitled to a ₱10,000 cash gift, while centenarians, or those who turn 100 years old, receive ₱100,000.
