Sir:
People are funny. They grant a benefit and then later restrict or limit the enjoyment.
I read with amusement but with a tinge of disappointment the proposed resolution of Councilor Lea Japson reducing the number of days senior citizens can claim their monthly allowance from 15 days to five and its forfeiture upon failing to claim the allowance for two consecutive occasions.
In our native tongue, maonay giingon "hatag bawi."
Councilor Japson forgets that senior citizens are not exactly in the pink of health. They suffer all sorts of ailments, and may not be able to claim their allowance in five days or are attending to their children or grandchildren in their homes and may not have the time or the strength, especially when no one can accompany them to claim their allowance for two consecutive times.
It would appear that senior citizens would be punished for their old age, by withdrawing the allowance and requiring them to apply again.
Councilor Japson and the members of the City Council should rethink the wisdom of the proposed resolution.
The memory of the senior citizens may be short but it is still good.
They will remember on election day.
Very respectfully,
Laureano G. Rogero
Gentle Breeze Subdivision
Cebu City