Seniors, PWDs to get additional discount

(UPDATE) SENIOR citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be given an additional discount in March on the purchase of prime commodities, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday, February 28.

Romualdez met with officials of the Department of Trade and Industry led by Undersecretary Carolina Sanchez to discuss the possible grant of bigger discounts to the elderly and disabled persons.

«We're working so that the usual P65 per week discount for senior citizens and PWDs may be increased to P125 [per week],» Sanchez said.

Sanchez told Romualdez that while the process of consultation with stakeholders is ongoing, the necessary interagency circular to implement the discount will be issued and should take effect in March.

The circular will be issued by the DTI together with the Departments of Agriculture and Energy.

The discounts will be applicable to basic goods and prime commodities, such as rice, corn, bread, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, cooking oil, sugar, vegetables, fruits, onions, garlic, as well as fresh and processed milk.

Processed meat, sardines, corned beef except premium brands, as well as basic construction supplies such as cement, hollow blocks and electrical supplies, including light bulbs, are also included.

The House leader earlier called for an increase in the 5 percent discount that seniors and PWDs enjoy every week on groceries for a purchase of P1,500, which translates to a discount of P65.

He said that the amount is no longer appropriate given the increasing cost of living.

«I am delighted to welcome the imminent implementation of increased discounts for our senior citizens and PWDs,» Romualdez said.

He commended the DTI and other agencies for their commitment in advancing the initiative.

«Their dedication to ensuring the timely implementation of these increased discounts is truly commendable and reflects our shared vision of a more inclusive and caring nation,» Romualdez said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier signed Republic Act 11982 or the expanded «Centenarians Law,» which grants P10,000 cash gift to elderly citizens upon reaching the age of 80 and every five years thereafter until the age of 95.