HEADLINES
Government increases senior citizen, PWD discounts on purchases of basic goods
3/21/24, 2:15 PM
Government granted on Thursday (March 21) the proposal to increase to PHP125 from the current PHP65 the allowable discounts on purchases of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) made by senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
This, after Department of Trade and Industry, together with the Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy, signed a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) that in effect, repealed JAO 17-02, series of 2017 that limited to PHP65 the allowable discounts for weekly grocery purchases of P1,300.
“We recognize the valuable contributions of our senior citizens and persons with disabilities to our society, and this initiative reiterates our unwavering commitment to ensure their access to essential goods,” said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual.
The new discount rates was endorsed by a joint congressional panel that conducted an inquiry into violations committed by business establishments against laws granting discount privileges to senior citizens and PWDs.
National Commission of Senior Citizens Chairman Franklin Quijano called for an increase in the grocery discounts when he appeared before the joint panel. He pointed out that the PHP65 discount rate is no longer adequate in helping the beneficiaries cope with the rising prices of BNPCs.
The new discounts may be availed by the beneficiaries as soon as the JAO has been published on Monday (March 25.
Under the JAO, the PHP125 special discounts for senior citizens and PWDs on BNPC purchases will be subject to review every five years.
In a press statement, the DTI said the increase translates to a new purchase cap of PHP2,500 compared to the previous limit of PHP1,300 per week set almost 14 years ago.
Covered goods under the JAO are BNPCs as defined by the Price ACt which are essential for consumers’ sustenance, especially during calamities and emergencies.
Only seniors and PWD’s may avail of the discounts. There is no provision for carrying over any unused amount of discount to the following weeks.
The JAO stresses that the discount privilege to purchase basic goods through a representative, extends the discounts to online purchases and clarifies the rule against double discounts.
Barangay Micro Business Establishments and cooperatives are exempted from granting discounts.