Senatorial candidate Atty. Vic Rodriguez, who recently expressed strong support for the proposed Universal Social Pension Program for senior citizens, is now fending off what appears to be a well-funded fake news campaign aimed at derailing his Senate bid.

Rodriguez confirmed that there is a deliberate attempt to sabotage his candidacy, citing the recent circulation on social media of a falsified Commission on Elections (Comelec) list that incorrectly placed him at number 55 instead of his official placement at number 56.

“We are bracing for more coordinated attacks as election day draws closer,” said Rodriguez, a former Executive Secretary in Malacañang. “Yes, there is an organized effort to derail my Senate bid.”

Rodriguez is among the senatorial hopefuls championing the Universal Social Pension Program, which seeks to provide all senior citizens with a monthly allowance of ₱500 to help them cope with the rising costs of food, medicines, and other medical expenses.

“Given sufficient funding, I support this measure over AKAP (Ayuda para sa mga Kapos ang Kita Program),” he said, referring to the controversial cash aid initiative currently being implemented by the government amid the midterm election campaign season.

In addition to AKAP, other government assistance programs such as AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations) and TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) have also drawn criticism for their timing and implementation during the campaign period.

Rodriguez also pledged to push for expanded PhilHealth benefits for senior citizens, including coverage for assistive devices and wellness programs to improve their overall quality of life.

Despite the House of Representatives passing the Universal Social Pension Program on May 21, 2024, the current Senate has yet to act on the measure.

Rodriguez joins former Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, a Liberal Party senatorial candidate, in promising to file a Senate version of the bill once elected.