House to probe firms denying discounts to seniors, PWDs

ADDED BENEFITS | Under the law, seniors and persons with disabilities get a 20-percent discount and are exempted from paying VAT. (File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez has called for a motu proprio investigation into reports of establishments denying discounts to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in clear violation of the law.

On Monday, Romualdez directed the appropriate House committee to look into possible violations, including reports of a popular coffee shop chain limiting the 20 percent discount and exemption from the 12 percent value-added tax to only one food item and one drink per visit for seniors and PWDs.

Under Republic Acts No. 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) and 10754 (Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs), those age 60 and above and PWDs are supposed to enjoy a 20 percent discount on top of their exemption from the 12-percent VAT on certain goods and services.

Romualdez emphasized that discounts granted to these sectors “should not be limited in any way for as long as they are for their use and personal consumption.”

“If there are several instances of the improper grant of these privileges and benefits, it becomes the common practice. So it cannot remain unchecked,” he said.

“Flagrant violations of the laws that grant benefits to our senior citizens and PWDs are trending topics on social media these past few months. It is high time that the House of Representatives reviews the implementation of these laws and find out if business establishments are complying with every provision,” he added.

Romualdez’s statement was issued amid persistent reports that certain establishments were restricting senior and PWD discounts.

Just recently, the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office filed two cases against two officials of a Pasig hotel for declining to grant a 20-percent discount to a senior citizen.

They were charged with violating two laws: Section 4 (a)(7) of RA 9994 and Article 116 of Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.