Romualdez orders House probe into firms not granting discounts to PWDs, seniors

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 15) — House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday ordered an investigation into reports on business establishments not properly granting discounts and privileges to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

«Laws granting benefits to our senior citizens and PWDs should be strictly followed and implemented. And if there are several instances of the improper grant of these privileges and benefits, it becomes the common practice. So it cannot remain unchecked,” Romualdez warned in a statement.

Republic Act (RA) No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and R.A. 10754 or an Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs mandate the grant of 20% discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT) to senior citizens and PWDs for purchases, transportation, and other services.

Romualdez said among the possible violations was a policy of a known coffee shop chain which allegedly limits the mandatory 20% discount and vat exemption to only one food item and one drink per visit for seniors and PWDs.

He said the investigation aims to correct the wrong implementation and other misconceptions of firms. Probing the issue will address the concerns of the PWDs and elderlies, he added.

Pasig City prosecutors earlier charged hotel officials for allegedly denying a senior citizen her 20% discount.

READ: Pasig hotel execs charged after refusing to grant senior citizen's discount

Meantime, the Speaker urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Council on Disability Affairs to ensure businesses rightfully implement updated laws.

He also emphasized the need to properly grant the discounts to beneficiaries but also take into account the prevention of abuse of the privileges.