Firms not granting discounts ‘will be exposed,’ Romualdez warns

FREEDOM FROM POVERTY. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers a speech during the commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence at the monument of Andres Bonifacio in Caloocan City on Monday (June 12, 2023). He urged the Filipinos to continue the fight against poverty for a better future. (Photo courtesy of the office of the Speaker via PNA)

MANILA – Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said Thursday the House of Representatives would not hesitate to expose establishments that fail to grant discounts and other privileges to senior citizens, persons with disability (PWDs), and solo or single parents.

“We have granted these privileges to our people, and we will see to it that those covered receive them.

Entities that are not granting the discounts and other benefits will be exposed and compelled to comply with the laws. We will also not hesitate to initiate prosecution,” Romualdez said.

He urged all business establishments to obey the laws granting a 20 percent discount to senior citizens and PWDs.

Romualdez lauded the move of popular coffee chain Starbucks to offer a 40 percent discount to elderly citizens, PWDs, and medal of valor awardees, among others on Wednesday.

“We appreciate the gesture of Starbucks. It gives meaning to its apology given to three House committees for what they acknowledged as its ‘mistake.’ We also value their promise to henceforth fully support the discounts and benefits of those covered. We appeal to other establishments to follow suit,” Romualdez said.

He was referring to the signage Starbucks posted in all its stores last week limiting the 20 percent discount for the elderly and PWDs to “one food item and one beverage.

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Numerous complaints prompted Romualdez to order three House committees to launch an inquiry into “gaps and confusion” in the implementation of laws granting discounts, benefits, and other privileges to more than 35 million senior citizens, PWDs, and solo parents.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda read the names of more than 100 violators, among them malls, supermarkets, airlines, bakeshops, hotels, drugstores, and food and transportation service providers.

Romualdez also welcomed San Miguel Corp.’s 20 percent discount offer to elderly citizens and PWDs who are using its skyway system in Metro Manila and its expressways in northern Luzon and southern Luzon.

“I am sure the operators of other expressways will match the gesture of Ramon S. Ang’s San Miguel Corp.,” he said.

He asked the tollway operators and concerned government agencies to release the details of the offer so it would soon be enjoyed by senior citizens and PWDs patronizing the skyways and expressways.