The Department of Industry (DTI) wants e-commerce platforms to follow the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, series of 2022, titled “Guidelines on the Provision of the Mandatory Statutory Benefits and Privileges of the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities on their Purchases through Online (e-commerce) and Phone Call/SMS”.
DTI is encouraging e-commerce websites to also provide the privileges given to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The goal is to push such platforms to adopt the said mandatory discounts every time eligible consumers purchase goods or services, whether via online transactions, telephone, or mobile.
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Seniors and PWDs are entitled to have a 20% discount on any purchase and a 12% VAT exception. This rule is under the Republic Act 9257 and 9442.
Eligible consumers are also entitled to a 5% special discount on prime commodities and basic necessities.
With the 5% discount, seniors and PWDs can enjoy up to a purchase amount of Php1,300 a week, both for online or physical transactions, without carryovers. The amount should only be spent by the eligible consumers for their personal consumption and should be used on at least 4 kinds of items, prime commodities, or basic goods.
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The memorandum circular is also encouraging business establishments to redesign their stores and online platforms (websites, apps, etc.) to accommodate the giving of discounts to PWDs and seniors.
To get the special discount, a consumer should declare to the merchant whether they are a senior citizen or PWD, via supporting documents, before placing an order.
Supporting documents may include a digital copy of an ID and the front and last pages of the purchase booklet. The same documents should also be presented upon the delivery of the goods.