Councilor Winston Winnie Castelo (2nd district), in his proposed ordinance, said senior citizens need to be protected and cared for by the government in keeping with the Flipino tradition of giving due respect to the elderly.
Many senior citizens, by reason of their ailments are often confined to private hospitals, where they have to spend huge amounts to cover services and treatment that they can hardly afford, Castelo said.
The ordinance, which was co-authored by majority leader Ariel Inton, proposes that a senior citizen hospital be constructed within the city-run Quezon City Medical Center compound in Barangay Bahay Toro.
Castelo said the setting up of the hospital for card-bearing senior citizens in Quezon City is in addition to other privileges accorded to the elderly in recognition of their individual contribution to nation building.
Just like their counterparts in other cities and municipalities, senior citizens in Quezon City deserve ample protection through the formulation of such measures that promote their health and well-being, Castelo said. — Perseus Echeminada