Tacloban legislators push for full implementation of RA 9257
By Gemma Tabao
Tacloban City (11 October) -- A dialogue conference on Republic Act 9257 otherwise known as the Expanded Seniors Citizens Act, was called yesterday by the Tacloban City Legislative office, particularly the Committee on Senior Citizens Affairs and the Committee on Human Rights.
Attended by some pharmacy operators of the city, members of the senior citizens association and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the discussions were focused on the different issues and problems encountered in the granting of senior citizens privileges as stipulated in the law.
The conference which was presided over by Hon. Antoni, was a venue wherein the policies and guidelines in the granting of incentives for elderly were clearly defined by the DTI personnel as well as the appropriate sanctions for the violation of such.
During the session, Hon. Antoni stressed the requirement to follow the law and their office to go for compensatory actions for business establishments like possible tax relief should they find incapable in granting the discounts fully.
Republic Act 9257 is a government mandate in which among the provisions stated is the granting of a 20% discount on the purchase of drugs, 20% discount on the rides in vehicles so with the consumption in food establishments.
The law also provides for a 5% discount in selected grocery items purchased at grocery stores or supermarkets with the condition that said senior citizens could present their identification cards together with the purchase slips. (PIA 8) [top]
