Seniors to SC: Provide clear explanation on discounts

MANILA, Philippines — A senior citizens’ group asked the Supreme Court yesterday to provide a clear explanation on the SC ruling that said the elderly may choose between a promotional discount or the mandated 20-percent discount, but cannot combine the two.

In a statement, Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes said a clarification is necessary to prevent any interpretation that could undermine the protections afforded to senior citizens under the law.

“We maintain that senior citizens must continue to enjoy their statutory 20-percent discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption, even when promotional offers are available,” Ordanes said.

He added that promotional prices are generally offered to all consumers, regardless of age or status and should not automatically be treated as a substitute for the benefits granted by law to senior citizens.

Ordanes stressed that the purpose of the benefits for senior citizens is to provide the elderly with additional financial relief and protection and not merely access to the same prices available to the general public.

“This is precisely why we filed House Bill 428, which seeks to ensure that the 20-percent discount and VAT exemption granted to senior citizens and persons with disabilities may be availed of in addition to existing promotional offers or discounts. Their statutory benefits must not be rendered meaningless simply because an establishment offers a promotional price available to everyone,” he said.

Ordanes said there must be clear safeguards to ensure that promotional offers comply with existing laws and regulations and are not used as a means to circumvent the obligation to grant these benefits.

“Clear rules are necessary to prevent misinterpretation and protect senior citizens from practices that may deprive them of their lawful entitlements,” he said.