Senior citizen chapters want Carillo for Congress

CEBU, Philippines – Twenty senior citizens chapter presidents in Cebu South District signed a petition endorsing councilor Gerardo Carillo as candidate for the congressional post in next year’s election.

The petition was signed yesterday during a meeting in an uptown restaurant. Another meeting of the same group was scheduled for last night.

A copy of the petition, which was furnished to The FREEMAN, read that Cebu City senior citizens believe they need a public servant who can lobby and push their issues and concerns before the Congress.

The petition further read that they find Carillo is the right public servant for the post of congressman to represent the south district of Cebu City.

Labangon barangay captain Felix Abella, who also sits as national president of the Federation of Senior Citizens said that after consultation, they agreed to made a petition endorsing Carillo.

Abella said that Carillo is responsible for the approval of an ordinance giving attention to the needs of the senior citizens in Cebu City.

Carillo, who was present during the meeting, welcomed the petition endorsing him as candidate for congressman in the south district.

He also thanked the senior citizens who acknowledged his contribution to their welfare.

It was Carillo who created the city Senior Citizens Council, providing for its composition, defining its functions and appropriating funds. He said the ordinance was the first of its kind to be approved in the country.

The ordinance, according to Carillo was replicated in other cities and municipalities in other provinces.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama said the city government allocated funds as financial assistance to the senior citizens because they acknowledged them.

“Angayan mahibaw-an sa mga senior citizens sa dakbayan sa Sugbo nga wala nato sila kalimti,” Rama said.

Meanwhile, the senior citizens also expressed their thanks to Mayor Tomas Osmeña who “continuously supported and upheld the rights for the benefits and welfare of Cebu City’s elders”. – Jose P. Sollano/BRP (THE FREEMAN)