According to Asst. Secretary Amanda Nograles of the DTI Consumer Protection Group, this is now under the authority of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affair (OSCA) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).
Nograles clarified that their primary mandate only covers special discounts on basic necessities and prime commodities.
"The role or the primary mandate of the DTI is on the selling of BNPCs (Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities), the 5 percent special discount. To clarify, the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption of the senior citizens are actually under the OSCA and NCSC, for example, buying in drug stores or in other establishments," Nograles explained.
Nograles mentioned that the department has received about 136 complaints related to establishments refusing to give the 5% special discount to senior citizens on BNPCs at grocery stores and supermarkets.
The 5% special discount on basic commodities is also given to persons with disabilities (PWDs), where they can avail a discount on the purchase of products for their personal and individual needs up to P1, 300 per week.
Items listed as basic necessities include:
• Canned sardines and other marine products
• Processed milk
• Coffee
• Laundry soap
• Detergent
• Bread
Items classified as prime commodities include:
• Flour
• Canned pork, beef, and poultry meat
• Noodles
• Toilet soap
• Paper, school supplies
(Photo from the Philippine News Agency)
