Romualdez calls for PWD, SC discount abuse probe

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez called for a congressional investigation into establishments that refuse to honor discounts for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens (SCs), following reports of such violations.

Lawyer Romulo Macalintal urged the House of Representatives to expedite its investigation, citing instances where businesses like hotels in Pasig City and coffee chains have violated RA 7394 by limiting discounts.

House Ways and Means Committee Chair Joey Salceda proposed amending existing laws to ensure that senior citizens and PWDs receive promotional discounts on top of the mandated 20-percent discount.

Salceda highlighted the need for clarification regarding the application of discounts during promotions, as well as the creation of an office equivalent to the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) for solo parents.

Starbucks Philippines apologized for limiting the grant of mandated discounts to only one food item and one beverage per visit, acknowledging the error in signage.