Seniors urgently need voice in House

I am writing you in the name of the million members of the Senior Citizens Party-list which was duly accredited, qualified and voted into Congress in the last elections.

I read in the papers that the party-list is divided into two bickering factions—one headed by lawyer Godofredo Arquiza, the other by Mon Datul. For which reason, Commission on Election Chair Sixto S. Brillantes Jr. has refused to proclaim its winning representatives.

The urgent need for the elderly to have genuine representation in Congress cannot be overemphasized. They are practically a marginalized sector, whose cause deserve as much attention as women issues. But until now many of them hardly enjoy the the many material benefits, assistance and favors granted them by law. This is so because many commercial establishments and stores refuse to honor the Senior Citizens Act. And to think that many of these benefits and assistance extend to basic necessities such as food and medicine. The law is violated especially in the provinces. To my mind, the assistance should cover even water, electricity and communications facilities.

I therefore suggest that Brillantes proclaim the Senior Citizens party-list nominees ASAP. Those who would like to contest their victory could go to the Supreme Court or, if they really want to help the senior citizens’ cause, they can seek an extrajudicial, amicable settlement so that the party-list can serve its constituency in harmony and peace.

The elderly, by reason of age, are practically at the “pre-departure area” now. It would be unkind to leave them languishing in the cold because nobody in Congress speaks for them or represents their interest.

—ARTEMIO B. CAÑA SR.,

Barangay Pasong Putik,

Quezon City