Senior citizens upset by the refusal of the Senate to act on the proposed Universal Pension Program bill may have found fresh hopes in getting the legislative measure finally passed by Congress.

Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Tuesday (April 15) pledged to champion the legislative proposal that was passed by the House of Representatives but snubbed in the Senate.

Pangilinan, who is seeking a Senate return, said senior citizens in the country deserve urgent financial assistance from government, stressing that such may be provided by the UPP bill.

Given the chance to regain his former seat, Pangilinan said pushing for bills focusing on the welfare and protection of senior citizens will be among his legislative priorities.

He lamented the failure of Senate to at least hold committee deliberations on the UPP measure that proposes a PhP500 monthly pension to all senior citizens, regardless of their social status.

It will be recalled that the UPP bill was approved by the Lower House on May 11, 2024 and swiftly sent to the Senate for action.

United Senior Citizens partylist Rep. Mila Aquino-Magsaysay, principal author of the bill, led some 5,000 elderly citizens to lobby in the Senate when it was becoming clear that the bill will be sent to the legislative back burner.

Aquino-Magsaysay called on senior citizens in the country to support candidates who will help proponents of the UPP bill push for the passage of the bill in both houses of Congress.

"If given a chance to get fresh mandate as House member, I will re-file the bill but I hope this time, it will receive Senate backing,” she said.

Pangilinan, who authored over 200 bills and resolutions during his 18 years in the Senate, said Aquino-Maysaysay can count on his support for the UPP.