Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo warned that business establishments that fail to comply with the mandatory benefits and privileges of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) on their purchases done online or through telephone calls will have to face charges and penalties.

“If they are eligible for the 20 percent discount, you have to honor that, because that is what the law said,” Tulfo pointed out.

Under a joint memorandum circular issued by the DSWD and other concerned national government agencies, senior citizens and PWDs may avail of the 20 percent discount on medicines, medical supplies, professional fees of attending physicians, transportation, hotel, restaurants, food, drinks, and funeral and burial services.

Likewise, they are entitled to a 5 percent discount through online and over-the-phone transactions on basic necessities and prime commodities, such as rice, bread, milk, water, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

This also includes veterinary products, poultry feeds, condiments, construction materials, batteries, electrical supplies, papers, soap, flour, fertilizer, pesticides, paper, and school supplies.

Tulfo said the DSWD will strictly monitor the compliance of business establishments and online platforms to make sure that the mandatory benefits intended for senior citizens and PWDs will be provided to them.

He added: “I will make sure to notify restaurants, transport services, and pharmacies for an explanation if they fail to comply with the guidelines. I will ask why you refuse to give the online discount to seniors. I will let you explain. But I am telling you that it is in the law.”

Tulfo said that erring establishments with multiple customer complaints will be closed down.

Under Section 7 of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, any person who refuses to honor the senior citizen card issued by the government, which entitles privileges including discounts on purchases made by a senior citizen, may be penalized by imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than six years and a fine of not less than P50,000 but not exceeding P100,000 for first-time violations.

The fines may be increased for subsequent violations of the law.

Moreover, the business permit, permit to operate, franchise, and other similar privileges granted to any person, establishment, or business entity that fails to abide by the provisions of the law may be canceled or revoked after due notice and hearing.

Meanwhile, the DSWD reiterated its appeal to all business establishments to adopt appropriate systems or improve their existing mechanism, within the given period, to ensure that the 20 percent and 5 percent discounts are given to senior citizens and PWDs.

In case the online system is unavailable, business establishments are advised to provide an alternative process to properly recognize the benefit of the said sectors.