
By Brian Jules Campued
Senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) will be able to enjoy an increase in discounts on basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) starting March 25, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Thursday.
The DTI, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Energy (DOE) signed a joint administrative order (JAO) which revises the rules on granting special discounts to seniors and PWDs on the purchase of BNPCs.
DTI Assistant Secretary for Consumer Protection Group Amanda Nograles said the new order raised the weekly cap covered by the 5% discount from P65 to P125 or up to P500 per month.
“Ngayon, it is 5% of P2,500 per week. So halos dumoble siya,” Nograles added.
The previous limit was P1,300 per week set almost 14 years ago, according to a DTI statement.
It also reminded that the discount is for the exclusive use of seniors and PWDs, clarifying that any unused amount will not be carried over to the following weeks.
“Moreover, the joint order reiterates the right of senior citizens and PWDs to purchase their basic goods through a representative, extends the discounts to online purchases, and clarifies the rule against double discounts.”
Under the JAO, recognized as basic necessities are:
- All kinds and variants of rice (except imported specialty rice)
- All kinds and variants of corn
- All kinds of locally produced bread (cakes and pastries not included)
- All locally produced fresh, dried, and canned fish and other marine products (including those live, chilled, frozen, and in various modes of packaging)
- All locally produced fresh pork, beef, and poultry meat (except premium grade)
- All fresh chicken and duck eggs
- Locally manufactured potable water in bottles and containers regardless of size
- Fresh and processed milk (excluding foods for special medical purposes)
- Locally produced fresh vegetables including root crops
- All kinds of fresh fruits
- Locally manufactured instant noodles
- Locally produced coffee (only whole beans, ground beans, instant up to three main ingredients)
- All kinds of sugar (except artificial sweeteners)
- Cooking oil (only coconut oil, palm oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil)
- Iodized salt
- Locally manufactured laundry and detergent soap
- Locally produced firewood
- Locally manufactured charcoal
- All kinds of candles (except decorative and scented)
- Household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with a net content of not more than 11 kilograms (only once every five months) bought from LPG dealers
- Kerosene not exceeding two liters per month
Meanwhile, prime commodities include:
- All kinds of flour
- All locally manufactured dried, processed, and canned pork, beef, and poultry meat
- All kinds of locally manufactured dairy products that are not considered as basic commodity
- All kinds of onion and garlic
- Locally manufactured vinegar, fish sauce, and soy sauce (except spiced)
- All kinds of toilet or bath soap
- Fertilizer
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Poultry feeds, livestock feeds, and fishery feeds
- Veterinary products
- Pad paper and school supplies
- Nipa shingle
- Sawali
- Cement, clinker, and galvanized iron sheets
- Hollow blocks
- Plywood
- Plyboard
- Construction nails
- Batteries (single-use household batteries)
- Electrical supplies and light bulbs
- Steel wires
However, micro enterprises and businesses registered with cooperatives are exempted from granting the special discount.
“In terms of the Kadiwa Project ng DA, marami ritong farmers’ cooperatives na nagpa-participate. Hindi sila covered sa 5% discount kasi kung tutuusin, ang products natin sa Kadiwa ay mas mababa ang price as compared to the regular,” DA Assistant Secretary for Consumer Affairs and Legislative Affairs Atty. Genevieve Velicara-Guevarra said.
To avail the special discount, the seniors and PWDs must present their identification cards along with the discount booklet.
Meanwhile, DTI said the discount under the JAO is separate from the 20% discount granted under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs.
“Napakaimportante nito dahil gusto nating mabigyan ng welfare ang mga senior citizen sa mga item na hindi covered ng 20% SC discount,” said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual.
In a statement, House Speaker Martin Romualdez lauded the “swift response” of the executive departments for the implementation of the increased monthly discount as it would provide more savings for families.
“By increasing the purchasing power of our senior citizens and PWDs, we are indirectly benefiting their families and the broader community. These savings can be redirected to other essential needs, contributing to the overall economic health of our nation,” Romualdez explained. (with report from Clay Pardilla/PTV News)