Bigger special discounts on basic goods for senior citizens and PWD

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), has signed a joint administrative order (JAO) on March 21, 2024, revising the rules on special discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) when purchasing basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC).

DTI Secretary Fred Pascual praised the signing of the JAO.

“We recognize the valuable contributions of our senior citizens and persons with disabilities to our society, and this initiative reiterates our unwavering commitment to ensure their access to essential goods.”

The revised JAO increases the special discount for BNPC purchases from PHP 65 to PHP 125 per week for senior citizens and PWDs, with the provision for review every five years. This adjustment raises the purchase cap to PHP 2,500 from the PHP 1,300 limit set nearly 14 years ago.

BNPCs, essential for sustenance and particularly crucial during emergencies, are defined under the Price Act. The JAO specifies that the discount is solely for the personal use of senior citizens and PWDs, without allowance for rolling over the unused amount to subsequent weeks.

Additionally, the order facilitates the purchasing of basic goods through a representative for senior citizens and PWDs, expands the discounts to online transactions, and reinforces the policy against combining discounts.

The benefits detailed in this JAO are distinct from the 20% statutory discount stipulated under Republic Act No. 9994, the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, and Republic Act No. 10754, which expands benefits and privileges for PWDs.

Exemptions from this order include registered Barangay Micro Business Establishments and cooperatives.

Secretary Pascual emphasized the collective effort in this initiative.

“Our collaboration with the DA and DOE, alongside the active participation of our valued national government agencies, retailers, consumer organizations, and consumers during the public consultations, have been instrumental in achieving this remarkable milestone.”

The order can be found on the DTI website and will take effect following its publication on March 25. For any consumer-related issues or questions, the public is encouraged to contact ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or call the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline.