Mailbox: Octogenarian benefit program

MANILA, Philippines — You July 15, 2026 issue told about Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, a senior citizen reaching the age of 80 and had already received P10,000 at “Pinambili na ng birthday cake” as mentioned in your newspaper.

I am Antonio Tan of Las Piñas City and had celebrated my 80th birthday on May 25, 2026.

I already applied for P10,000 benefit on Jan. 21, 2026 at the office of the Senior Citizen Office (OSCA) at Las Piñas City Hall. The office informed me that I will receive the P10,000 maybe in the last quarter of 2026 or first quarter of 2027 and have to check with that office or will inform me through text message about the release of the P10,000.

I had been employed for 21 years and had paid my income tax monthly when I was still an employee; and now being a businessman has been paying all kind of taxes, local or national to our government. This letter would like to clarify what kind of system, our government has.

I am seeking your favor to publish this letter. I am a daily reader of The Philippine STAR for your information. - Antonio V. Tan