Ordinance to reinforce 20-percent discount for seniors, PWDs

Cebu City’s persons with disabilities, seen here during last Wednesday’s hearing on the proposed increase of their cash aid, will receive their 20-percent discount based on an ordinance passed by the council. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

THE Cebu City Council passed an ordinance providing guidelines in the revocation of business permits of establishments that refuse to grant discounts and benefits to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

In his privilege speech, Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon, who authored the ordinance, said the ordinance merely strengthens Republic Acts 9994, an act which grants benefits to senior citizens and RA 9442, an act which grants benefits to PWDs.

“By providing guidelines, the ordinance aims to strengthen the implementation of these laws that give a 20-percent discount to seniors and PWDs,” the councilor said.

Dizon said some elderly and PWDs reported that there are pharmacies and drug stores that won’t give them discounts.

The Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office will notify violators within 15 days of receiving the complaint.

They will hold a conference between the complainants and the establishments.

If there is evidence of violation, the establishment will be required to reimburse the customer of the 20-percent discount.

Failure to comply will result in penalties such as fines, imprisonment and revocation of business permit.

Establishments covered by the ordinance are pharmacies, all private hospitals and medical facilities, hotels and restaurants, funeral parlors, stores, and transport companies, among others.

“For some, the discount may be small but for a sick and poor senior and the PWD, each centavo counts,” Dizon said.