Allow seniors to go out for work, essential purposes amid quarantine protocols —senators

Several senators on Thursday expressed opposition to the policy of making senior citizens stay at home even if their areas of residence will be placed under a relaxed general community quarantine.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said it should be acknowledged that the elderly population are still part of many significant industries.

"Most of our political and business leaders are seniors. They should be allowed to work and be mobile," he said in a text message.

Senator Panfilo Lacson is also not in favor of the age-based restriction as he described it as inconsiderate.

"Many senior citizens are far healthier and have stronger immune systems than their younger counterparts. To indiscriminately prohibit them from going out of their homes is not only arbitrary. It is downright insensitive," he said in a separate statement.

"The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases may need to rethink this policy such that it does not impose unfair restrictions on seniors, especially those who are physically fit," he added.

Senate Minority Franklin Drilon likewise disagreed with the policy.

"If that rule is enforced, Senate President Sotto, Senators Gordon, Lacson, Lapid and myself cannot attend the senate sessions starting May 4," he said.

Drilon added that President Rodrigo Duterte, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other elderly Cabinet members would be forced to stay at home if such is the case.

Senator Sonny Angara further suggested that special hours and priority services at establishments such as groceries and drug stores must be implemented instead.

He stressed that the elderly, especially those living alone or separate from their families, will still have to procure their basic needs and seek other essential services outside their homes.

Angara also proposed allowing the use of senior citizen cards to get discounts on online transactions.

Under the guidelines released by the IATF last week, some establishments in areas under general community quarantine will be allowed to resume operations starting May 1 but "'those below 21 years old and those 60 years old and above as well as those with ages ranging from 21 years old but below 60 years old but who reside with co-morbidities or other risk factors shall stay home."

On the other hand, the Palace has already clarified on Thursday that those aged 60 and above will not be prohibited from leaving their houses if they are going to buy essentials or seek government aid amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez also said the senior citizens are not under house arrest, assuring them that they won’t be barred from availing of essential services. —LDF, GMA News