Manila, April 10 -- Mayor Honey Lacuna announced on Thursday the city government's plan to give birthday cash gifts to senior citizens in lieu of cakes.

In a statement, Lacuna said this is in response to the request of a majority of elderly residents during a series of consultations in the city.

She said most senior citizens suffer from diabetes or high blood sugar and can no longer enjoy sweets.

Lacuna said she is talking with Vice Mayor Yul Servo, presiding officer of the City Council, for the amendment to the city's existing ordinance on the matter.

Once the measure is enacted into an ordinance, she said, it would complement the increased monthly senior citizens allowance which her administration doubled from PHP500 to PHP1,000, al...