NCSC Caraga reminds establishments to honor
discount for senior citizens
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Caraga is urging business establishments to sincerely comply with the provisions of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, particularly on the just implementation of discounts to senior citizens.
During the Kapihan sa PIA at SM City Butuan, Attorney Florence June D. Bantugan, officer-in-charge of NCSC Caraga, emphasized the responsibility of establishments to honor the privileges granted to senior citizens under the law. He reminded businesses that denying these benefits is a violation that will eventually lead to penalties.
The grant of senior citizen discount is governed by the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010 or the Republic Act No. 9994. Mandating a 20% discount and value added tax (VAT) exemption on goods and services from all establishments, for the exclusive use and enjoyment of the senior citizens.
Attorney Bantugan, additionally shared that there is no cap or maximum limit on the availment of discount to senior citizens. “It is not allowed to put a cap or limit to the discount for senior citizens. If a senior citizen dines in a restaurant during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they are entitled to the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption in every meal.”
According to Christine P. Sabandal, public services officer II of the Butuan City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD) – Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), the seniors may file a complaint to their grievance committee for those business establishments who do not grant the senior citizen discount. “We will then conduct a hearing together with the establishment and the complainant to listen and validate the complaint. We will listen to both sides and assess.”
The discount applies to the senior citizen who pays through cash, credit card, or online banking. As long as the senior citizen can present his/her senior citizen identification card and provided that it is listed in the the goods and services
In addition, Republic Act No. 9994 provides that any person who refuses to honor the senior citizen card issued by the government or violates any provision can be imprisoned less than two years, but not more than six years and a fine of not less than P50,000 but not exceeding P100,000.
NCSC Caraga continues to conduct information drives and fora to educate both the public and private sectors on the rights of the elderly under the law. Also, the commission works closely with local government units and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure that programs for the elderly are properly implemented in the local government units with dignity and without discrimination. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
