DTI warns public vs SCEW club

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has warned the public about an entity named Senior Citizen and Elderly Welfare Club of the Philippines Inc. (SCEW Club), which is said to be using the name of DTI in selling discount booklets for P350.

DTI warned that the club’s IDs, which looks very similar to the legit Senior Citizen’s cards, and discount booklets are being sold online claiming that even individuals aged 40 to 59 may enjoy the benefits of the Senior Citizens as provided for in Republic Act 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

The Trade department said that no such authority was granted by DTI or the law to SCEW Club adding that they have already raised the matter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for investigation and appropriate action.

DTI further said that under RA 9994, only the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) duly established in cities and municipalities, have the authority to distribute IDs/Booklets for the grant of special discounts/privileges to Senior Citizens.

Individuals who already fell prey to SCEW Club may file a criminal complaint and reach out to the National Bureau of Investigation, DTI said.

Moreover, the Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc. has also posted on their Facebook page a similar warning against SCEW club, labeling such operations as nothing but a modus operandi.

The group warned the public that there is no such thing written in the law that persons aged 40-59 can avail of the benefits provided for in RA 9994 as these are only intended for Senior Citizens aged 60 and up.

It added that Senior Citizens IDs can be availed from local government offices while PWDs may get their IDs at the Persons with Disability Affairs Office in their respective municipalities.

SCEW Club

The SCEW Club, headed by its national president Restituto E. Perez Jr. and other incorporators namely Juliet Sison Panergo, Gloria Balboa, Nacanor Sy Layco, and Betty Constancia Perez, claim that as per Resolution No. 07-2017, individuals aged 40-59 years old, termed as ‘Elderly’ and 60 years old and above as ‘Senior Citizen’ may enjoy the perks provided for in RA 9994.

Benefits and Privileges under RA 9994 as enumerated in the SCEW Club ID are as follows:

* Free Medical/dental, diagnostic & Laboratory service in all government facilities

* 20% discount in purchase for medicines, essential medical supplies, accessories and equipment including prescribed vitamins

* 20% discount in hotels, restaurants, recreation centers, funeral parlors and similar establishments

* 20% discounts in theaters, cinema houses and concert halls

* 20% discount in medical dental services, diagnostics & laboratory fees in private facilities

* 20% discount in fare for domestic air, sea travel and public transportation

* 5% discount on purchase of basic goods up to P1300 per week

* 12% VAT exemption on the purchase of Goods & services, which are entitled to the 20% discount

* 5% discount on light and water for consumption up to 100KW & 30 cubic meter for registered Senior Citizens.

Sec Registration

Documents posted by the club in their social media page showed that SCEW Club is registered as a non-stock corporation with an industry description of “Other Human Health Activities” at the Securities and Exchange Commission with SEC registration# CN201951991 dated April 22, 2019.

The purpose of the Club as stated in its SEC registration is “to initiate and promote a healthy and harmonious association by developing the civic, spiritual, social and cultural awareness and consciousness to the underprivileged, sick, elderly, and junior citizens aged 40 years old to 59 years old, senior citizens 60 years old and above, woman and children.

And “to act as an intermediary with the national and local government units and other government and private entities worldwide task with the delivery of basic necessities and services to the community nationwide.”