The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) have warned the public against false claims about ATM card distribution and illegal deductions from senior citizens’ cash gifts.
An online video circulated claiming that indigent seniors would receive ATM cards to access benefits, but the NCSC clarified that no such cards have been issued.
The commission emphasized that the current bank transfer system is optional and only applies to P10,000 or P100,000 cash gifts under the Expanded Centenarians Act for milestone ages 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao urged vigilance to protect elderly beneficiaries from misinformation and financial exploitation.
Any attempt to collect money in exchange for these benefits is illegal and punishable by law.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 3, 2026
