DSWD backs removal of senior citizen’s purchase booklet

File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday said they agree with the proposal of two lawmakers to remove the senior citizen’s purchase booklet used for claiming discounts.

“We support the position of Representatives Tulfo and Quimbo to do away with the senior citizen booklet,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

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On Tuesday, ACT-CIS party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo called for the removal of the booklet, saying that the senior citizen’s identification card is enough when claiming discounts in establishments.

Gatchalian has also directed the DSWD Program Management Bureau (PMB) to study the feasibility of the booklet, and the PMB said that the booklets were inconvenient, as some senior citizens forget to bring them when making purchases.

“Considering the mobility and tendency to forget to bring their booklets and even read their content, it is no longer convenient on the part of senior citizens to use purchase slip booklets,” it said.

The PMB recommended that establishments veer towards technology-based data-storing systems so that the purchase of necessities will be more convenient and efficient.

“With the fast-paced technology and innovations, it is recommended to adopt an established system for monitoring, storing, and reporting data towards an efficient, consistent, and uniform implementation of the law and provisions for the availment of medicines, basic necessities, and prime commodities, among others,” the PMB added.

In September 2023, Baguio City Lone District Representative Mark Go filed a House resolution urging the Department of Health to discontinue the implementation of the booklet for senior citizens when buying medicines.

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