The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is ready to manage and implement the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program which is currently under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

This was the contention of NCSC Chair Dr. Maryjean Loreche during a recent Senate hearing on the proposed Universal Social Pension Program which is under consideration by the Committee on Social Justice and Rural Development chaired by Sen. Erwin Tulfo.

However, Loreche clarified that the DSWD has yet to officially turnover the SPISC program to the NCSC.

Under Republic Act No. 11916 the DSWD is duty-bound to transfer the implementation and management of the SPISC three years from the effectivity of the law that was signed in 2022 by then President Rodrigo Duterte.

Despite this provision of the law, the DSWD remained the implementor of the program.

In a press statement on Friday (Aug. 29), the NCSC clarified the distribution of PhP1,000 monthly social pension to indigent elderly Filipinos is being conducted by the DSWD.

“At present, only the DSWD is in charge of validating beneficiaries, releasing payouts and monitoring the program,” the senior citizens body said.

“While the NCSC may recommend possible qualified seniors, the public is advised to coordiante directly with DSWD Field Offices or their local Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) for any concerns or assistance.” the NCSC explained.

Nevertheless, the NCSC stressed that it will make the proper announcements once the SPISC is “formally transferred” to the agency.

“The public is reminded to rely only on official announcements from the NCSC for accurate updates about programs and services for senior citizens.” the NCSC said.