House panel to enjoin businesses to honor discounts for seniors, PWDs

House of Representatives on prio

MANILA, Philippines — Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda has assured the public that the House of Representatives’ committee on ways and means will continue to ask business establishments  to comply with discount privileges to senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD) as mandated by law  after an issue involving a major coffee shop chain.

Salceda on Tuesday was asked to react to Starbucks Philippines’ offer of a one-day 40 percent discount to seniors, PWDs, and other certain individuals — which came on the heels of a committee hearing about  rescindedits policy of giving discounts for only one drink and one food item per visit.

In response, Salceda said the move only proves that the said panel is more focused on finding solutions and not blaming companies.

“Moving forward, we will continue to seek compliance from other companies as well as improvements in the overall system of granting and accounting for discounts,” Salceda, chairperson of the committee on ways and means, said.

“This affirms the way the House Committee on Ways and Means does its job – focused on remedies, not on the blame game,” he added.

Salceda also thanked Starbucks for correcting their policy on discounts.

“I commend Starbucks for their compensatory effort to correct the mistake of unduly limiting the discounts to vulnerable sectors of society.  This is above and beyond what we requested, covering even our honored veterans,” he said.

“I also congratulate my counterparts in the senior citizens and PWD committees of the House for helping us push for this move,” he added.

The 40 percent discount, which is twice of what companies are required to provide to senior citizens and PWDs, will be given on Wednesday, January 24. 

Aside from senior citizens and PWDs, Starbucks would also give the discount to national athletes, eligible solo parents, and Medal of Valor awardees.