Senator Escudero proposes broader definition of indigency

Senator Francis Escudero has proposed a broader and more uniform definition of indigency to improve access to government services in the Philippines. He argued that current standards are too narrow, often equating indigency solely with membership in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which excludes many households.

Escudero noted that the lack of a consistent definition across government agencies creates barriers. Currently, definitions vary between barangay certificates, the Public Attorney’s Office, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. He suggested that indigency should be defined by circumstance rather than just income.

To address this, the senator proposed categories such as “cancer-indigent” for families facing extreme medical costs or “litigation-indigent” for those unable to afford legal expenses. He emphasized that even professionals like teachers may fall into these categories when faced with extraordinary financial burdens.