Starbucks PH admits mistake in posting signage limiting discount for seniors

Starbucks Philippines on Wednesday admitted that it made a mistake in posting a signage limiting the 20% discount provided to senior citizens under the law, saying the company is taking full accountability for it.

Starbucks Philippines Operations Manager Angela Cole made the admission during the hearing of the House Committee on Ways and Means on the alleged violations of establishments in the grant of discounts to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“We fully acknowledge the error in the signage. We remain steadfast in extending privilege as intended,” Cole told lawmakers.

“To assure everybody here, Starbucks has always and will continue to extend full discount privileges to the seniors and PWD for their personal use,” she added.

Speaker Martin Romualdez sought the inquiry in light of the viral photo of a signage in a Starbucks branch stating that the discount to seniors is limited to one drink and one food item only.

Cole said the signage used the wrong words aimed at clarifying policy on the coverage of the seniors’ discount.

“Specific to the signage, it is not properly worded and we are taking full accountability. We acknowledge the mistake,” she said.

“We are really disappointed by the confusion caused by the erroneous signage,” Cole added.

Cole also admitted that the wrong signage was posted in all Starbucks branches in the country but they have already been removed.

“The signages were immediately removed. Again, we remain steadfast in extending the privileges as intended in all our stores throughout the Philippines,” she said.

Albay Representative Joey Salceda, who chairs the committee, urged Starbucks to make up for such an error by providing one free drink and one free croissant to a senior citizen who makes a purchase for one day.

“It is so that you don’t repeat it,” Salceda said. “You cannot just say sorry.”

Salceda said he will write formal communication to Starbucks Philippines in connection with his suggestion.

The National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the National Council For Disability Affairs (NCDA) have ordered an investigation on Starbucks Philippines after it limited the use of senior citizen and PWD discounts.

In a statement, Starbucks Philippines apologized for the incident and guaranteed that discounts will still be given for beneficiaries.

"Starbucks Philippines guarantees government discounts on all food and beverage orders clearly for the exclusive use and enjoyment of Senior Citizens, Persons/People with Disabilities, and other eligible individuals," the company said.

"We apologize for the confusion and appreciate the support and understanding of our customers," it added. —KBK, GMA Integrated News