Starbucks PH acknowledges ‘mistake’ in putting cap on senior citizen, PWD discounts

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 17) — Starbucks Philippines on Wednesday told lawmakers that it takes full responsibility for its “erroneous” signage that put a limit on the legally mandated discount granted to senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs).

A representative of the company admitted the mistake during a House committee hearing, which Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez earlier called for to tackle complaints on some establishments’ alleged failure to comply with laws benefiting the elderly and PWDs.

“Specific to the signage, it was not properly worded, and we’re taking full accountability and acknowledge the mistake,” said Starbucks Philippines operations director Angela Cole, adding the signage has since been removed.

Cole was referring to the Starbucks advisory — which she said was put up in stores nationwide — stating that beginning Jan. 15, food and beverage purchases with senior citizen, PWD and other government discounts shall be limited to one food item and one beverage only per visit.

“We are really disappointed by the confusion that we have caused because of the erroneous signage,” the director said.

“We remain steadfast in ensuring and extending the privileges as intended in all our stores throughout the Philippines,” she added.

Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, who led Wednesday’s inquiry as chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said legal action may still be taken against the popular coffee chain.

“You violated the law,” Salceda told Cole. “Saying sorry is not enough. We will consider initiating prosecution.”

Salceda also asked Rustan’s Coffee Corp., the local Starbucks licensee, to further rectify its mistake “by making a buy-one-take-one offer to senior citizens and PWDs, like buy one croissant, take one beverage.” Cole, for her part, committed to relay this request to her principals.

The lawmaker also said the House intends to look into a similar complaint against a popular bakery chain, which allegedly limited the 20-percent discount “to one slice for every cake.”

He added that his committee would recommend remedial legislation or regulation to address gaps and confusion in the implementation of laws mandating benefits for senior citizens, PWDs and solo parents.