The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has approved an additional ₱500 discount for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In a report of RH Milky Rigonan reported on Thursday, DTI relayed the news to House Speaker Martin Romualdez during a meeting at his office on Wednesday evening.
"They met Speaker Romualdez Tuesday night and informed him that they are amenable to his request for additional discounts for the elderly and PWDs and that this would be implemented by next month," Romualdez's office said in a statement.
As a result, an additional P500 peso discount per month on groceries and other goods and services will be granted to senior citizens and PWDs starting in March.
Romualdez, who sought a 5 percent increase in the weekly discount, welcomed the DTI's approval.
“I commend the efforts of the DTI and other concerned agencies for their diligence and commitment to advancing this crucial initiative," Romualdez said.
"Their dedication to ensuring the timely implementation of these increased discounts is truly commendable and reflects our shared vision of a more inclusive and caring nation,” he furthered.
Currently, the weekly discount for seniors and PWDs is 64 pesos for each total purchase value of 1,500 pesos, which, according to Romualdez, is no longer appropriate as the price of goods is already high.
The increased discount on commodities for the elderly came two days after President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., signed Republic Act (RA) 11982, also known as the Expanded Centenarian Act, which provides an elderly citizen with a P10,000 cash gift at the age of 80 and every five years thereafter until the age of 95.
Romualdez said that such an initiative shows the commitment of President Bongbong Marcos to help the elderly and those with disabilities.
