As the Philippine government scrimped on allocation for its senior citizens for 2025, Japan approved a record-breaking Y115.5 trillion or $730 billion budget triggered by spending concerns for its aging population and escalating regional security threats.

As Japan’s population aged rapidly, its government allocated Y38.3 trillion for social welfare programs, with its senior citizens anticipating greater social welfare support.

The record high allocation is aimed at sustaining healthcare and pensions for a population where senior citizens aged 65 or older comprise 29.3 percent of the citizens.

Reports disclosed that constant low birth rates and careful immigration policies worsen the demographic challenges that prompted government to spend more.

In the Philippines, senior citizens organizations have issued a strong appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to increase next year’s allocation for the implementation of the social pension program for indigent senior citizens.

Elderly citizens organizations in Quezon City called on Marcos to address the non-payment of monthly pension of over 800,000 “sick and poor” senior citizens who are waitlisted in the program.

Marcos has ordered a thorough study of the 2025 General Appropriations Act after refusing to sign the budget measure that was approved by Congress.

He is expected to sign the 2025 GAA on Monday (December 30).

The Japanese government remained committed to its social welfare program that will manage the challenges of an aging population.

Also granted substantial budget hike is Japan’s defense spending, with government stressing that this is driven by the nation’s “toughest and most complex security environment” since World War II.

An allocation of Y8.7 trillion has been set aside for various defense measures, including attracting recruits to Japan’s SElf Defense Forces; ensuring strong ti4es with the United States military in Okinawa and enhancing systmes to monitor ballistic missile launches and maritime activities in disputed territories, particularly the South China Sea.