A family in Don Carlos, Bukidnon is mourning and demanding answers after their 71-year-old grandfather suffered a fatal heart attack while waiting in line for a ₱1,200 government cash aid program.
The senior citizen, referred to as “Tatay Romie” by his grieving granddaughter, was among the elderly who lined up for a “Handog for Seniors” payout at an open gymnasium. The event was reportedly scheduled for 1 PM, but the actual distribution allegedly did not begin until 3 PM, forcing participants to endure hours under direct sunlight with minimal airflow.
According to the family’s account, there was no visible standby medical or rescue team prepared for emergencies involving the vulnerable group. When the man collapsed, it reportedly took responders around ten minutes to arrive, offering only a handheld fan as initial aid.
In a heartbreaking detail shared by the family, the senior had been persistently trying to be included in the regular monthly social pension list. He was allegedly told, \&#xNAN;“Hulat lang ta sir, line2 man ta diri, ayha raka makapuli if naay mamatay.” (Let’s just wait, sir, we’re all in line here. You can only replace someone if someone dies.)
The relatives further questioned the efficiency of the system asking, “Udtong tutok gipa linya2x ninyo ang mga senior, unsay pulos sa ATM kung mag linya ra diay gihapon?” (In this heat, you made the seniors line up. What’s the point of the ATM if they still have to queue?).
They attribute his death to what they describe as gross inconsideration, poor planning, a critical lack of medical readiness and a complete disregard for the well-being of senior citizens during the event.
The granddaughter’s call for accountability and urgent reforms has then resonated widely.
“Our seniors are not numbers on a list,” she stated.
“No other lolo or lola should ever have to suffer like this. No other family should have to mourn like this.”
The incident has sparked public outrage and calls for government agencies to ensure dignified, safe, and efficient service delivery for the elderly.
