The Department of Trade and Industry in Central Luzon (DTI-3) is calling on all retailers to strictly implement the updated 5% special discount for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), as outlined in Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 24-02, Series of 2024.
Effective March 2024, the revised guidelines grant a 5% discount on the regular retail price of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs), whether purchased online or in-store. This special discount, however, does not include exemption from value-added tax (VAT).
DTI-3 clarified key provisions of the order:
- A maximum discount of ₱125.00 may be availed per calendar week.
- To qualify, the weekly discounted purchase must not exceed ₱2,500.00.
- Purchases must include at least four (4) different BNPC items.
- Any unused amount or discount cannot be carried over to the next week.
- Double discounts are not allowed; only the more favorable between a promotional offer and the 5% discount will apply.
Regional Director Edna D. Dizon stressed the importance of full compliance across Central Luzon. “We urge all business establishments to implement the updated rules and help safeguard the rights of our senior citizens and PWDs,” she said. Dizon also reminded consumers to use the discount solely for their personal needs.
Consumers may report non-compliance to the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), or their local social welfare office. They may also visit the nearest DTI office for support.
The revised discount policy is part of DTI-3’s commitment to promote inclusive access to essential goods and protect consumer welfare across the region.
