Speaker Martin Romualdez thanked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Energy (DOE) for immediately putting into effect the P500 monthly discount extended to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“The swift action taken by these departments to increase the discounts for our senior citizens and PWDs is not just a victory for these groups, but a triumph for all ordinary Filipinos,” he said on Thursday, after the signing of the revised Joint Administrative Order (JAO) to implement the policy.
The JAO increases the special discount for senior citizens and PWDs on basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) from P65 to P125 per week, subject to review every five years. This translates to a new purchase cap of P2,500, compared to the previous limit of P1,300 per week, according to DTI.
Romualdez credited DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Undersecretary Carolina Sanchez, and their team for facilitating this development. He noted the broader impact of this policy, emphasizing that the increase in discounts would provide more disposable income for families.
The Speaker said this initiative is in line with the broader government agenda to enhance the quality of life for all Filipinos, especially the elderly and PWDs. It also complements the recent enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11982, the Expanded Centenarian Act.
The DTI clarified that discounts under the JAO are separate from the 20-percent statutory discount granted under RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and RA. 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs.
Barangay Micro Business Establishments and cooperatives are also not covered by the new policy.
Romualdez acknowledged that the enactment of this program was made possible through the collaborative effort between the legislature and the executive in championing the welfare of senior citizens and PWDs, which is a hallmark of good governance.
The Speaker vowed that the House of Representatives would continue its advocacy for policies that support and empower all Filipinos, particularly the most vulnerable sectors.
“Through these concerted efforts, we are making strides towards a more inclusive, caring, and prosperous Philippines where the benefits of development are felt by every Filipino,” Romualdez said.
