Council debates authorization letters for senior financial aid

Discussion arose among Cebu City Council members regarding the proposal to allow authorization letters for claiming senior citizen financial assistance on behalf of beneficiaries.

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This discussion stemmed from the privilege speech of Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, where some members of the council questioned its legality, saying it goes against the existing ordinance.

In the previous regular session, Alcover stood before the council to deliver a privilege speech concerning the newly implemented scheme for the distribution of financial aid for senior citizens, which will now be done monthly.

Alcover recalled that the distribution is backed by an ordinance that aims to recognize the contribution of the elderly.

He said that, recently, through an executive order, Mayor Nestor Archival mandated that starting October 25, 2025, the distribution shall no longer allow authorization letters, requiring beneficiaries to personally appear and claim their P1,000 aid.

The councilor stressed that some beneficiaries are no longer capable of walking on their own, while others are physically vulnerable and unable to claim the aid themselves.

“It defeats the humanitarian purpose of this ordinance which is to provide them financial assistance in the times of their greatest need,” said Alcover.