Senator Gerardo Fernández Noroña, aged 65, shared on social media that he has received his Banco del Bienestar card for the adult seniors' pension. He celebrated with the phrase 'Happy, happy,' though it sparked controversy due to his role as a public official. The program provides a bimonthly support of 6,200 pesos to people aged 65 or older.
Gerardo Fernández Noroña, a Morena senator, posted on December 15 on his X account that his Bienestar card has arrived, including a photo of the envelope and the plastic card accrediting him as a beneficiary. 'Happy, happy, my Bienestar card has arrived,' he wrote, expressing his joy over the social support.
The Pension for the Well-Being of Older Adults program is a constitutional right in Mexico, aimed at individuals aged 65 and above, regardless of income level, as long as they register properly. Beneficiaries receive 6,200 pesos every two months, deposited directly into the Banco del Bienestar card, which is for personal use only and non-transferable.
Noroña, who in March celebrated that 'it was his turn' for the pension and completed his application in August, faces questions on social media about whether, as a legislator, he needs this support. He has not responded directly to the criticisms, but previously defended his right: 'It's my right to the adult senior pension and I will collect it, does it bother you? Have a bad afternoon,' he told a journalist.
This announcement caps a year of controversies for Noroña, including luxury trips to Europe that he justified with his personal income, the purchase of a house in Tepoztlán valued at 12 million pesos via a mortgage loan, and the use of private flights costing 2,000 dollars per hour during a tour in Coahuila. Despite the debates over his assets, the senator maintains that the pension is a universal benefit for older adults.
