THE MONTHLY limit on discounts enjoyed by Filipino senior citizens on basic grocery items will almost double to P500 starting March, based on a rule to be issued by the Trade department, according to the Speaker.
The higher cap would also apply to persons with disabilities (PWD), Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who met with Trade officials on Tuesday night to discuss the issue, said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) confirmed the planned joint issuance with the House of Representatives that would result in a 92% increase in discounts on basic goods such as rice, bread, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, vegetables, and fruits from the current P260 a month.
“We’re working so that the usual P65 per week discount for senior citizens and PWDs may be increased to P125,” DTI Undersecretary Carolina Sanchez said.
Manufactured goods such as processed meat and sardines are also included under the expected discount increase.
The House-led discount hike also includes supplies for basic construction such as cement and electrical supplies. However, non-essential food items such as premium manufactured goods, cakes, and pastries are exempted from the pursued discount hike.
“I am delighted to welcome the imminent implementation of increased discounts for our senior citizens and PWDs,” said Mr. Romualdez. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
