Manila, Dec. 11 -- As the holiday season nears and flu cases continue to spike, United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay is calling on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to direct all local government units (LGUs) to roll out free flu vaccinations for senior citizens, as crowded places and large gatherings put them at heightened risk of infection.

"LGUs should not rely solely on national guidance. They have the power to lead and implement vaccination drives, ensuring seniors have access to free flu vaccines," Aquino-Magsaysay said in a statement on Thursday.

Citing data, the party-list lawmaker said flu accounts for 50 percent to 70 percent of hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and abov...