Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 31) — The guidelines for the online purchases of senior citizens and persons with disabilities have been signed, the Department of Social Welfare and Development announced Tuesday.
“Under the new guidelines, senior citizens and persons with disabilities are entitled to avail the 20% discount on the purchase of goods that are vital for their sustenance and existence,” the DSWD said in a statement.
Among the items included were milk, water, LPG, veterinary products, construction materials, batteries and electrical supplies.
The DSWD said the discount will be applied as long as the items do not exceed ₱1,300 per calendar week in online and offline transactions, adding that the unused amount cannot be carried over.
“Likewise, the said amount must be spent for the personal and exclusive consumption of the senior citizen and the person with disability, and that the above mentioned amount must be spent on at least four kinds of items of basic goods and prime commodities.”
Buyers must let a merchant know they are a senior citizen or a PWD before making a purchase to avail of the discount, and should present proof of the necessary ID and booklet.
In the event that the purchaser is both a senior citizen and a PWD, the guidelines state that they shall only be allowed to avail either of the two and will be asked to present their ID for confirmation.
In May, the DSWD along with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Commission of Senior Citizens, Bureau of Internal Revenue, National Council for Disability Affairs, and Department of Health signed the Joint Memorandum Circular for granting both groups the discount for online purchases.
