INCREASE IN SENIORS AND PWDS GROCERY DISCOUNT

Benefits for elderly Filipino citizens (Photo courtesy Pixabay/Philippine Star)

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) will be given discounts on their weekly or monthly groceries, including basic goods, manufactured goods, prime commodities, and basic construction supplies. Non-essential foods and premium items are not covered by the discount, according to Trade Undersecretary Carolina Sanchez.

From the current P65 per week or P260 monthly discount, it might increase to P125 weekly or P500 monthly. Before March ends, the proposed hike on grocery discounts will take effect, given the timeframe set by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Romualdez requested to increase the discount that seniors and PWDs acquire, saying it is no longer suitable given the rising cost of living. 

The process of preparing the proposal on the discount hike is still under ongoing discussion and consultation by the authorities.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that a booklet and present identification are still required for seniors purchasing and availing of 20 percent discounts. The FDA also reminded all drugstores and hospitals to give seniors a 20% discount on their medicine purchases.

As President Marcos signed the Expanded Centenarian Act, seniors will enjoy these benefits, giving those who reach the age of 80 every five years until they reach the age of 95 a cash gift worth P10,000. 

Source: Philippine Star

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