A recent appointment has sparked controversy and left many senior citizens feeling uneasy. Ma. Merceditas Navarro Gutierrez, after a brief and turbulent tenure at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), has now taken on a new role as the acting head of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). However, her arrival at the NCSC has not been met with open arms by all.
A group called "Seniors on the Move" has voiced strong opposition to Gutierrez's appointment, claiming that she was previously impeached due to her alleged negligence in addressing widespread corruption during her time as Ombudsman. The organization questions the speed of her appointment and raises concerns about the leadership being offered to senior citizens. They ask, "Do senior citizens deserve a leader who has been impeached and accused of failing to combat corruption?"
The NCSC, as outlined in Republic Act No. 11350, is responsible for implementing programs and services that promote the health and well-being of senior citizens. The commission consists of a chairperson and six commissioners, each serving a six-year term. To qualify for these positions, individuals must meet specific criteria, including being Filipino citizens, at least 60 years old at the time of appointment, of good moral character, and recommended by a general assembly of senior citizens' organizations, among other requirements.
Gutierrez's appointment has certainly stirred up debate, and the question remains: Will President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reconsider this decision in light of the concerns raised by senior citizens? Will Gutierrez's government career take another unexpected turn? Only time will tell, and the story continues to unfold.
