Senior citizens call on politicians to set aside personal interests

The 12,000-strong Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines-National Capital Region Makati City chapter has called on government leaders to set aside personal intentions so as not to hamper the country’s economic take off.

Retired police Senior Superintendent Enrique "Toti" Manalo, president of the FSCAP-NCR Makati chapter, said the economic momentum gained by the Arroyo administration the past few months must not be disrupted by some self-serving individuals.

Manalo, also the president of the Makati City Police Retirees Association Inc. said the MCPRAI officers and members and the senior citizens federation under his leadership, are in full support of the President and her programs.

According to Manalo, it was during the time of then Vice President Arroyo and also the concurrent secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that laws now benefiting senior citizens were realized.

"Thus our group was motivated to actively organized and support her," Manalo said.

Manalo pointed out that while other senior citizen groups are being used by some politicians to advance their own political interests, the FSCAP Makati chapter remains focused on helping the government promote the welfare and well-being of the elderly populace, particularly in the country’s premier commercial district.