The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Energy (DOE) yesterday signed a joint administrative order (JAO) increasing the special discounts to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) on basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC).
The JAO takes effect upon publication on Monday, March 25.
This developed as the DTI has suspended indefinitely the issuance of a new Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin on 63 stock keeping units (SKUs) in 13 BNPC categories.
In a press conference yesterday, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the JAO revises the rules granting 5 percent special discounts to senior citizens and PWDs on the purchase of BNPCs.
The JAO increases the special discount for senior citizens and PWDs on BNPC purchases from P65 to P125 per week, subject to review every five years.
Pascual the JAO hikes the cap to P2,500, compared to the previous limit of P 1,300 per week set almost 14 years ago.
Covered goods under the JAO are BNPCs as defined by the Price Act which are essential for consumers’ sustenance, especially during calamities or emergencies.
The discount is for the exclusive use of senior citizens and PWDs, with no provision for carrying over any unused amount to succeeding weeks.
The JAO gives senior citizens and PWDs the right to purchase their basic goods through a representative as long as they have an authorization valid for 7 days and the senior citizen’s booklet.
The discount also applies online purchases with mechanics to be drawn up by individual merchants and/or platforms.
The order clarifies the rule against double discounts but the higher discount will apply.
The DTI reminded abuse or misrepresentation to avail of the discount is meted with no less than six months imprisonment and a fine of P100,000.
Discounts under this JAO are separate from the 20 percent statutory discount granted under Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and Republic Act No. 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs.
The JAO does not apply to registered Barangay Micro Business Establishments, cooperatives and sari sari stores.
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said it has yet to act on the petition for price increase on 63 SKUs pending the submission of additional information from manufacturers.
Nograles said the strategy is to remove the confusion in implementing the SRP Bulletin by letting the adjusted prices take effect first. Irma Isip
