FILE PHOTO: Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is calling on concerned government agencies to penalize establishments that fail to display signages informing persons with disabilities (PWDs) of their 20-percent discount entitlement. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is calling on concerned government agencies to penalize establishments that fail to display signages informing persons with disabilities (PWDs) of their 20-percent discount entitlement.
According to Pangilinan, many PWDs remain unaware of their benefits due to businesses not complying with the law that requires the visible presentation of the 20-percent PWD discount notice.
Based on Rule IV, Section 6 of the Republic Act No. 10754’s Implementing Rules and Regulations, “all establishments shall place signages in conspicuous areas within their premises to inform persons with disabilities that they are entitled to the 20% discount and VAT-exemption.”
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“Whether intentionally or not, many business establishments still do not follow this rule, causing many PWDs to miss out on their rightful 20 percent discount,” Pangilinan said in a statement written in mixed Filipino and English.
He called on the National Council on Disability Affairs and Persons with Disability Affairs Office to address the matter and ensure that penalties are strictly enforced against violators.
“Establishments that violate this rule should be identified, pursued, and penalized for the benefit of PWDs,” the former senator pointed out.
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Pangilinan added that with rising prices of goods, strict adherence to this law could be of great help to PWDs.
“Given the high cost of goods today, enforcing this rule would greatly help PWDs, ensuring they receive discounts from business establishments,” he added.
Pangilinan previously called for the removal of the purchase booklet requirement for PWDs to avail of the 20-percent discount on medicines. His appeal followed the Department of Health’s Administrative Order No. 2024-0017, which no longer requires senior citizens to present purchase booklets to avail of their 20-percent discount at drugstores.