THE Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) is warning the public about scams related to the proposed Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens bill.

The alert was issued as versions of the bill are pending in both the Senate and House committees.

DSWD-10 Director Jamen urged the public to be cautious and to only trust information from legitimate sources.

“I urge everyone not to believe anything that is posted online, for that matter, and only get the right information from legitimate social media accounts or websites,” Jamen said in a press release.

DSWD-10 Director Ramel Jamen underscores the agency’s policy requiring Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries to exit the program after seven years to allow other eligible families to receive assistance. File photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

The proposed legislation seeks to amend Republic Act No. 7432, which would expand the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens to provide a monthly pension to all senior citizens, regardless of economic status. Currently, only indigent senior citizens receive a P1,000 monthly stipend.

The warning follows a surge in inquiries about registering and availing of the program, which DSWD-10 attributes to scam activities.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has assured that scammers and fixers exploiting potential beneficiaries will face severe penalties.

“The stiffest criminal penalties will apply,” Gatchalian said, adding that field offices will investigate and file charges against those involved.