Attend to needs of senior citizens, Cabinet told

Age does matter, especially where government assistance is concerned.

Government officials, including Cabinet members, face sanctions if they fail to promptly serve war veterans and other senior citizens seeking assistance from their offices.

President Estrada made the warning during a fund-raising dinner for the elderly hosted by the Senate Spouses Foundation, Inc. at the Manila Hotel last Wednesday night.

"I will not tolerate any disrespect towards our senior citizens from any government personnel, regardless of rank and position," he said. "They (senior citizens) should not beg for attention nor face humiliation from an indifferent bureaucrat in the twilight of their years."

The 62-year-old Chief Executive pointed out the personal attention he gives to his 94-year-old mother, Doña Mary Ejercito, and his elder sisters.

"That's why I always listen to the advice of my mother and elder siblings," he said. "I can be irritating at times, but I have learned to treasure their words. I know their message for me is important. There is no hidden agenda nor personal interests. All they want is the betterment of our country and my administration. That's why they remain to be my source of strength and inspiration."

The President described senior citizens as the nation's "bridge to the past," whose wisdom can guide the government and people in traveling to the future.

"Our elderly, indeed, are living treasures, whom we must love and take care of," he said. "From them we have inherited important legacies that guide us in confronting our problems. From them we gain the majesty of experience that can help us in resolving present-day concerns."

Mr. Estrada said Cabinet secretaries will be required to explain in writing why they had failed to assist senior citizens, particularly war veterans.

The administration's program to improve the living conditions of marginal sectors of society includes better treatment for senior citizens, he added.