Senior citizen discounts are mandated by law, NCSC reminds businesses

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) reiterated Friday that discounts for eligible holders of Senior Citizen identification cards are mandatory, as provided by law.

In a public briefing on Friday, NCSC Chairman Franklin Quijano said that Republic Act (RA) 9994, which grants additional benefits and privileges to seniors, calls for a 20%-discount on transactions, as well as a 12%-discount for dining at restaurants and cafés, and purchase of goods and services imposed with value-added tax (VAT).

"We would like to have it improve some more, kaya pinag-aralan natin paano ma-improve ang ID para hindi na po mahirap sa mga recognition. So, all these things are actually there. Sa Republic Act 9994, kung ang ating senior citizen at association ng seniors ay gusto pang malaman ano pang iba... we are actually open to be invited [to speak with them] ngunit pwede nilang basahin ang Republic Act 9994," Quijano said.

(We would to have the system improved some more, so we are studying how to improve the ID so recognition of the ID holder won't be difficult. So, all these things are actually there. Under Republic Act 9994, if our senior citizen or association would like to know more about their benefits... we are actually open to be invited to speak with them but they can read Republic Act 9994.)

The NCSC also reminded that discounts provided through the ID card are limited to the holder's personal use, and the valid users.

Meanwhile, Quijano encouraged senior citizens who encounter problems in availing discounts to lodge a complaint before the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs, and to notify the NCSC so the concern can be investigated.

He also issued a stern warning against the use of fake IDs, asking establishments to notify the relevant offices of such violations.

"Ang gumamit ng Senior Citizen ID na peke will have a criminal liability kaya dapat po hindi yan gagamitin ng mga hindi senior citizens," he said.

(Users of fake Senior Citizen IDs will face criminal liability, so these should not be used by those who are not senior citizens.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VDV, GMA Integrated News