TWO candidates for senator of the Liberal Party were in Pangasinan last week to engage Pangasinan voters.

Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay and election lawyer Romulo Macalintal expounded on their respective political agenda if elected in May 2019.

Hilbay wants a stronger claim against China because he warned that that China will seek to occupy Benham Rise after establishing a military facility in West Philippine Sea and called on the government not to lift its protection of the West Philippine Sea.

Hilbay led the Philippines in its case versus China in the International Tribunal at The Hague, whose outcome, he said put the title to the West Philippine Sea in the hands of the Filipinos.

“When I was the solicitor general, we won our case over the ScarboroughShoal–the  traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen,” Hilbay told newsmen. “Habang nandyan po ang China, yong titulo po natin is under threat,” he added.

Hilbay cited the case of the fishermen of Infanta, Pangasinan who are being chased by Chinese Coast Guard from their usual fishing grounds but despite this, the Philippine government remains hands off on the issue.

He said if the government still does not do anything, the next place China will grab is no other than the Philippines’ Benham Rise.

He also spoke of the dangers posed by the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Philippines and China for the joint exploration of the West Philippine Sea, saying the MOU states that it is “without prejudice to the legal rights of both governments…”

By signing the MOU, he said the Philippines is recognizing again the right of China over the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, Macalintal said he will seek higher benefits for senior citizens, beyond the 20 percent discount now being granted by law.

He said his proposal is a mandatory discount of 30% for all medicines and medical services for senior citizens once they reach 70 years old, 40%  when 80 years old, and 50 percent for 90years old and above. Beyond 90, discount should be 60%.

The increased discount will lessen the burden on relatives of senior citizens who look after the welfare of the latter.

Macanlintal also found as “seemingly impractical” the current centenarian law that gives onetime P100,000 benefit to a senior citizen upon reaching the age of 100 years because the latter can no longer enjoy the financial grant because of his age.

He proposes to amend the law: P30,000 must be given to the senior citizen once he reaches 80 years old and another P30,000 when he reaches 90 years old.The  remaining P40,000, he said, must be given to him or her when here aches 100 years old.

But the financial grant will not end after that. The centenarian must continue to receive P100,000 each year as long as he lives. He cited Taguig City that gives P100,000 every year to its senior citizens older than 100 years.

He also proposes a legislation that will set up a senior citizens common fund through token donations from customers patronizing establishments. (Leonardo Micua)

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