DISCOUNTS for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) should apply even on promo prices, three house panels asserted on Tuesday, March 5.
The House committees on ways and means and senior citizens, and special committee on persons with disabilities recommended a bill that will clarify the applicability of discounts when promotional sales are offered. The recommendation is part of the committee report approved by the joint house panels on Tuesday.
“The discount belongs to them by right. Kung ayaw n’yo, edi ‘wag kayong magbigay ng promo. So kung sa hotel may promo, ‘yung discount applies to the promo price,” House ways and means committee chairperson and Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda said.
Higher Cap on Grocery Discount
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), meanwhile, eyes the implementation of the higher discount cap on the basic necessity and prime commodity groceries of senior citizens and PWDs before March ends.
The DTI approved lawmakers’ request to increase the discount cap to P125 per week from the current P65, amid rising inflation. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. is also supportive of the proposal, according to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra.
The draft joint administrative order on the higher discount cap is currently being circulated to member-agencies DTI, DA and the Department of Energy. Public consultations will also be held.
“It was agreed upon in front of the Speaker, so we were hoping the discounts will be given towards end of this month, because everybody is waiting,” House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo said.
“I confirm the schedule,” DTI’s Director Marcus Valdez replied.
“We’re currently working with the DTI with the draft. It will still be subject for public consultation on March 11 and 12,” Guevarra added.
Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Representative Wilter Palma proposed to allow flexibility in the application of the P500 monthly discount on the grocery of seniors and PWDs, instead of limiting its application to a maximum of P125 discount per week.
“The supposed discount for seniors and PWDs, which is P125 per week, making it P500 per month, will it be alright if we just isang bagsakan lang. Para let’s say P500 a month isang discount?” he asked.
“We take note of the recommendation, and we will take it up with other member agencies of the joint administrative order,” Valdez replied.
The committees also recommended bills that will harmonize the benefits for seniors and PWDs, enable the use of a portion of the National Tax Allotment to programs for the sector, and convert the National Council on Disability Affairs into a commission. (ABS-CBN News)
