Ordinance for seniors, PWDs gains support
SEVERAL establishments in Cebu City still don’t grant discounts to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
To give more teeth to the national law, Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon’s proposed ordinance to penalize violators was supported in a public hearing yesterday.
Dizon said there was a rising number of verbal complaints against business establishments in Cebu that don’t honor the benefits due to holders of Senior Citizens and PWD ID cards.
Some refuse to give the mandated discount of 20 percent or even refuse to offer their services.
“Although it is already in the national law that local government units may cancel or revoke permits upon violation of the rights of senior citizens and PWDs, it is important that we give the law more footing in a local setting,” Dizon said in yesterday’s public hearing.
Emma Patalinghug, a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) -7 official, confirmed that several complaints about the matter were filed.
She said the DSWD sent out notices but many establishments just ignore them.
“This ordinance by councilor Dizon will help in enforcing the law so that PWDs and senior citizens can fully enjoy their benefits,” she said.
As proposed, an erring establishment, such as a pharmacy or clinic,must reimburse the amount to the senior citizen or PWD.
If a party files a complaint with the DSWD or the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), the office must conduct an investigation and decide within 30 days.
If ab establishment repeats its offense a second time, their permits may be revoked, suspended or denied reissuance by the mayor.
The proposed ordinance will include pharmacies or medical supplies stores, medical facilities, outpatient clinics, home health care services, diagnostic and laboratory clinic, restaurants, recreation centers, theaters, cinema houses, concert halls, lodging establishments, and funeral parlors.
Danny Omayan, president of the Cebu City PWD Federation, emphasized that the draft ordinance should also include utility companies and taxi cabs.
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