“Priority citizens” are poised to enjoy their mandated perks starting Monday, as the revised joint administrative order signed by three government agencies starts the enforcement of the 5-percent discount for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) on purchased goods and services categorized as basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).
The revised JAO, signed by the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), Agriculture (DA), and Energy (DOE) on Thursday, also lets priority citizens enjoy discounts from online establishments provided they share a photo of their SC and PWD IDs.
“This is needed to validate their status as senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Upon delivery, they should also show proof by showing their ID. We gave the establishments a free hand on how they will transact online purchases of seniors and PWD,” said DTI Consumer Protection Group Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles. Nograles clarified that the 20-percent discount and VAT (value-added tax) exemption for restaurant and medicine purchases is different from the special 5 percent discount, which is applicable only on BNPC purchases from groceries and similar establishments.
Fees for consultations with doctors, dentists, and immunizations shots by priority citizens are still subject to a 20-percent discount.
Neighborhood stores and farmer cooperatives are also exempted from giving the 5 percent discount.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the 5-percent discount is tax deductible for all participating establishments.
The P165 discount per week for seniors and PWDs is valid upon the purchase of at least 4 kinds of BNPCs with a purchase cap of P2,500.