Traders reminded to give seniors, PWDs 5% discount

The Department of Trade and Industry in Central Luzon (DTI-3) is reminding traders in the region to give the special discount of 5%to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) when they make purchases including online transactions.

The agency said this is mandated under Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 24-02, Series of 2024, which revised the guidelines on granting special discounts to senior citizens and PWDs for purchases made, applied without exemption from the value-added tax.

Under the revised rules, effective March 2024, qualified individuals are entitled to a 5% special discount on the regular retail price of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs).

A maximum discount of P125 may be availed each calendar week with the maximum purchase amount that may be discounted.

However, it must not exceed P2,500 per week, covering at least four different kinds of BNPCs listed under the JAO.

Unused discounts or unspent portions of the purchase limit cannot be carried over to succeeding weeks.

Double discounts are not allowed. If an item is already on a promotional offer, the more favorable of either the promo or the 5% special discount will apply.

The special discount aims to promote inclusive access to essential goods while ensuring fairness in implementation.

Complaints for non-compliance may be reported to the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), or the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO).

The public may also visit the nearest DTI office for guidance and assistance.