Manila seniors to receive doubled cash assistance in 2025

Registered senior citizens in Manila — numbering around 200,000 — will receive double the amount of monthly cash assistance from the city's local government unit (LGU), Mayor Honey Lacuna announced this weekend.

Lacuna said that, beginning this March, each beneficiary will now receive P4,000 every three months. Cash assistance for seniors in Manila is distributed quarterly.

She credited the increase to the city’s sound financial management, emphasizing that the local government can provide this support without resorting to loans.

"The city government was able to raise the financial aid because of honest and responsible governance. It is possible to help Manileños without borrowing money," she said.

While acknowledging that the amount may still not be enough to cover all expenses, Lacuna stressed that the additional aid would bring much-needed relief.

"Although this is still not enough, it will provide great relief to our senior citizens for their daily needs," she added.

Lacuna also noted that the increase could have been implemented earlier if the city had not been burdened with the P17.8 billion debt left by the previous administration, an apparent dig at the administration of former mayor and 2025 election rival Isko Moreno.

She expressed gratitude to barangay officials for assisting the city government in the distribution of financial aid, not just to senior citizens but also to solo parents and persons with disabilities (PWDs). She also thanked Manila residents for their continued support of her administration’s programs.

Lacuna has instructed the Office of Senior Citizens' Affairs (OSCA), led by Elinor Jacinto, to make the necessary preparations for the quarterly distribution of the increased allowance.