THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has released a joint memorandum to lay down guidelines on the implementation of the 20 percent discount on medicines and five percent special discount on basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Under the guidelines, seniors and persons with disabilities (PWD) may avail themselves of their discount when buying medicines and BNPC through digital channels by sending a copy of their senior citizen or PWD ID, and the identification page of their purchase booklets.
If the transaction is made via phone call, they can be identified as qualified for a discount by declaring their name, date of birth, and their senior citizen or PWD ID number.
Upon the delivery of the medicine and BNPC, they must again present their ID and purchase booklets. Failure to do so may charge them with the full amount of their purchased goods, disqualifying them from their discount.
“These benefits and privileges under the said Circular, including the five percent discount on BNPC purchases, are meant to be utilized especially the senior citizens and persons with disabilities all year round, and not only amidst the pandemic,” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.
The five percent special discount is applicable up to P1,300 worth of purchases per week, while the 20 percent discount on medicines has no purchase limit.