Honor perks of seniors, PWDs—DTI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has called on e-commerce business platforms to honor the privileges granted to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) such as the mandatory discounts for purchases goods or services, whether through online, telephone, or mobile transactions.

The DTI issued the call following the release of a joint memorandum circular entitled “Guidelines on the Provision of the Mandatory Statutory Benefits and Privileges of the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities on their Purchases through Online (e-commerce) and Phone Call/SMS”.

“Online shopping platforms need to reprogram their offering to incorporate a feature that allows discounts for persons with disabilities and senior citizens,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Senior citizens and PWDs are entitled to a 20-percent discount, with 12 percent VAT exemption, on their purchases of specific goods and services under Republic Act (RA) 9257 and RA 9442, as amended.

They are also entitled to a five-percent special discount for basic necessities and prime commodities on maximum purchases of P1,300 weekly.

Based on the circular, establishments are encouraged to redesign their business and website to accommodate the provision of discounts for senior citizens and PWDs.

The redesign may include the establishment’s acceptance of the senior citizen or PWD card and the use of discount vouchers or codes, whether physical or electronic, reflecting the applicable discount that may be granted.

To receive the discount, the senior citizen or PWD must declare his/her status to the merchant prior to placing orders with relevant or supporting documents, such as a scanned copy or screenshot of ID, as well as the front and last pages of the purchase booklet. The same proof of discount entitlement should be presented upon the delivery of goods and orders.

DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth Castelo reminded senior citizens and PWDs to buy only from verified online platforms to avoid having their personal details used for other purposes.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), the National Council on Disability Affairs, the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), together with the DTI, jointly issued the aforementioned memorandum circular.