A resolution was filed in the House of Representatives seeking an investigation into ride-hailing and food delivery apps that refuse or fail to provide discounts to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
This is outlined in House Resolution No. 2134, which was introduced by Senior Citizens Partylist Representative Rodolfo "Ompong" Ordanes.
According to Ordanes, there have been numerous complaints about apps like Grab, Foodpanda, and others, alleging that the proper discounts for senior citizens and PWDs are not being provided in their transactions.
Ordanes further added that instead of providing the discounts, these are allegedly passed on to their partner drivers, which not only denies the discount to senior citizens and PWDs but also reduces the earnings of the riders.
This allegedly violates Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, and the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, both of which grant a 20% discount and VAT exemption to senior citizens and PWDs.
The lawmaker called on the appropriate House committees to launch an investigation, recommending that the operations of the apps be suspended if any violations are found.
