Starbucks apologizes for senior citizen, PWD discount sign error

Starbucks Philippines apologized Wednesday for signage incorrectly limiting senior citizen and PWD discounts to one food item and one beverage per visit, acknowledging the error during a House Committee on Ways and Means hearing.

Angela Cole, operations director of Starbucks Philippines, assured lawmakers that the company will continue to extend full discount privileges as intended and has removed all incorrect signages from its branches nationwide.

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro criticized the signage, while committee chair Rep. Joey Salceda urged Rustan Coffee Corp., the local licensee of Starbucks, to offer one free croissant and drink as an apology.

Salceda also suggested that Starbucks declare a 'senior citizen and PWD day' or offer a free drink and pastry as compensation for their mistake and warned the company it may face prosecution under Republic Act No. 9994.

The National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the National Council For Disability Affairs (NCDA) have ordered an investigation into Starbucks Philippines following the incident, with lawmakers discussing gaps in discount policy implementation among various establishments.