ESTABLISHMENTS in Lapu-Lapu City that fail to give benefits and privileges to senior citizens may face the revocation of their permits and licenses, as City Hall takes steps to strictly enforce Republic Act (RA) 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, along with other officials began placing stickers in five selected private establishments across the city as “reminders” to ensure compliance with the law.
The blue and white stickers, meant to serve as a reminder to all business establishments, were initially put in two pharmacies: Rose Pharmacy in Tamiya and Mercury Drug near La Nueva Supermarket, and three food establishments, namely: Tuna Republik on Patalinhug Ave., Jollibee at Gaisano Island Mactan, and Marina Seaview Restaurant in Barangay Ibo.
“We are posting stickers in all establishments to ensure compliance with the 20 percent discount for senior citizens, as mandated under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. Please report any store that does not follow this law to our office,” said Chan in Cebuano in a post on Facebook.
Senior Citizens’ Committee Chairperson Councilor Annabeth Cuizon, who was present during the posting of the stickers, urged establishments not to require senior citizens to present purchase booklets when buying medicine following Department of Health’s Administrative Order 2024-0017.
She emphasized that a doctor’s prescription and a valid identification card should be enough for these transactions.
Penalties
Under Section 10 of RA 9994, authorities may revoke or cancel the business permit, operating permit, franchise, or other privileges of those who violate the Act.
“Upon filing of an appropriate complaint, and after due notice and hearing, the proper authorities may also cause the cancellation or revocation of the business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges granted to any person, establishment or business entity that fails to abide by the provisions of this Act,” states a portion of the Act.
Penalties for refusing to honor a senior citizen card or violating any provision of the Act are as follows: Imprisonment of two to six years and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 for the first violation and imprisonment of two to six years and a fine ranging from P100,000 to P200,000 for subsequent violations.
Additionally, anyone who abuses the privileges granted under the Act may face imprisonment of at least six months and a fine between P50,000 and P100,000. / DPC