P.O. Box 1161, QCCPO, NCR, Philippines 1100
Cell No. : +63 917-812-5546
Email : labankonsyumer@gmail.com
: dimagibavic@gmail.com
: dmagiba@pldtdsl.net
Facebook: Laban Konsyumer Inc.
Website : www.labankonsyumer.com
LKI 2020-072 PRESS STATEMENT
OCTOBER 26, 2020
CONSUMER GROUP CALLS FOR GUIDELINES ON SENIOR CITIZENS AND PWDS DISCOUNTS IN ONLINE TRANSACTIONS
In a letter dated October 26, 2020 to Ms. Wilma D. Naviamos, Director of the Program Management Bureau of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, consumer advocacy group Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) said “We are writing your Office to inquire on any implementing guidelines in the availment of the discounts of senior citizens and persons with disability in online transactions.”
LKI President Atty. Vic Dimagiba wrote “Most senior citizens and persons with disability above 65 years old purchase food items and other goods online and are not able to claim the discounts granted by law. In most cases, the merchants do not know what and how to grant the discounts. The inquiry includes “pabili” services offered by ride hailing services. In our monitoring, pick up and home delivery thru telephone are extended the discounts upon placement of the order and submission of the appropriate identification number of the consumers.”
Dimagiba highlighted that clear and easy, convenient implementation of discounts for senior citizens would be especially timely with the challenges and difficulties brought on by the 2020 pandemic, the lengthy lockdown and quarantine, and the dwindling resources both in the economy and for individual consumers.
The consumer group continued “We were able to set up the guidelines on airline domestic transportation discounts done thru online booking. We know we can develop the guidelines on online transactions by senior citizens and persons with disability for the uniform and standard implementation of the discounts. Right now it is important that the spirit of these initiatives is consistent and is carried out for all parties, in order to ease their burden during this tough year, where senior citizens may often feel restricted, depleted, and even powerless.”
LKI stated “We are submitting the above request to the DSWD in the transition to the newly created National Commission of Senior Citizens created by Republic Act No. 11350.”
Dimagiba concluded “We shall copy the Office of the Executive Director of the National Commission on Disability Affairs. We also ask, if guidelines are already issued, for us to be given a copy regarding this topic. We look forward to your response and quick action on the matter.”