House panels approval of enhanced discounts for seniors & PWDs
Three House committees have given their approval to three bills aimed at enhancing discounts, incentives, and tax exemptions for senior citizens (SC) and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
According to Representative Joey Salceda, chair of the House committee on ways and means, the bills aim to establish comprehensive and user-friendly guidelines for local government units and businesses regarding the proper administration of SC and PWD benefits. These measures also mandate businesses to train their staff on granting benefits to these sectors and to prominently display information about their benefits in establishments.
Salceda emphasized the importance of simple and straightforward channels for seniors and PWDs to register and access their entitlements. Additionally, an “e-Gov PH Super App” is proposed as an alternative for the application of senior and PWD identification and access to government services.
The bills come after an inquiry conducted in January by three House committees revealed gaps in the implementation of the Senior Citizens Act and Magna Carta for PWDs. This inquiry was prompted by criticisms of coffee chain Starbucks for limiting the 20 percent discount entitled to seniors and PWDs to only one food item and one beverage.
Moreover, the proposed monthly discount of P500 on groceries is seen as a significant help to seniors and PWDs amidst rising inflation. Franklin Quijano, chair of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), emphasized the importance of this increase in benefits, especially considering the current inflation rate of 3.4 percent in February.
Speaker Martin Romualdez has also advocated for an increase in the grocery discount enjoyed by seniors and PWDs, suggesting a maximum discountable amount of P2,500 or a weekly discount of P125, up from the current cap of P1,300 or a weekly discount of P65.
The proposed increases in discounts are expected to be implemented before the end of the month, providing much-needed assistance to seniors and PWDs.
Politics News: House panels approval of enhanced discounts for seniors & PWDs
