Business establishments may face charges and penalties for not acknowledging the mandatory statutory benefits and privileges of senior citizens on their purchases done online or through telephone calls, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo said during a press conference on Wednesday, July 20.

“We have to honor that, kung may discount po sila, mga 20% discount, you have to honor that, because that is the law” (If they are eligible for the 20% discount, you have to honor that, because that is what the law said), Secretary Tulfo emphasized.

Pursuant to the recently issued Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1 series of 2022 of the DSWD and several concerned national government agencies, senior citizens and persons with disability are entitled to avail of the 20% discount on medicines, medical supplies, professional fees of attending physicians, transportation, hotel, restaurants, food, drinks, funeral and burial services.

Likewise, they are entitled to a 5% discount through online and over-the-phone transactions on basic necessities and prime commodities such as rice, bread, milk, water, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), among others.This also includes veterinary products, poultry feeds, condiments, construction materials, batteries, electrical supplies, papers, soap, flour, fertilizer, pesticides, paper, school supplies, and others.

Secretary Tulfo said that the Department will strictly monitor the compliance of business establishments and online platforms, and will make sure that the mandatory benefits intended for senior citizens and persons with disabilities will be given properly.

“I will make sure, ako po susulatan kita, kung restaurant ka, sasakyan ka diyan, botika ka diyan at hindi ka nagbigay ng discount, pagpapaliwanagin kita. Sasabihin ko sa inyo, bakit  hindi mo binigyan ng discount. Nasa batas iyan” (I will make sure to notify restaurants, transport services, and pharmacies for an explanation if they fail to comply with the guidelines. I will ask why you refuse to give the online discount to seniors. I will let you explain. But I am telling you that it is in the law), he added.

For those establishments who will be receiving multiple complaints of not honoring the benefits and privileges of senior citizens and persons with disabilities, the Secretary warned of possible closure, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry and other concerned authorities.

In accordance with Section 7 of Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, any person who refuses to honor the senior citizen card issued by the government, which entitles privileges including discounts on purchases made by a senior citizen, may be penalized by imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than six years and a fine of not less than Php 50,000 but not exceeding Php 100,000 for first-time violations. The fines may be increased for subsequent violations of this act.

Moreover, the business permit, permit to operate, franchise, and other similar privileges granted to any person, establishment, or business entity that fails to abide by the provisions of the law may be canceled or revoked after due notice and hearing.

Meanwhile, the Department reiterated its appeal to all business establishments to adopt appropriate systems or improve their existing mechanism, within the given period, to ensure that the 20% and 5% discounts are given to senior citizens and persons with disabilities. In case the online system is unavailable, business establishments are advised to provide an alternative process to properly recognize the benefit of the said sectors.

The DSWD, with the directive of Secretary Tulfo, is urging all business owners and entities to grant the privileges of the senior citizens and to comply with the JMC so that the senior citizens and persons with disability sectors will be accorded appropriate assistance amid the rising prices of commodities. ###