By Arkeen M. Larisma
Reprint from Sun•Star Cebu with edition
CEBU CITY (Feb. 1, 2024) — Mayor Mike Rama is considering the closure and revocation of business permits of drug stores that violate laws pertaining to senior citizens’ benefits and privileges, particularly the 20 percent discount.
“Taga-i mi sa mga ngalan sa drug store, butangan dayon og notice if you will not (grant the benefits mandated by law) it,” Rama said in an interview with Cebu City Hall’s teleradyo program Ingna’ng Mayor over Sugboanon Channel today.
“We will be compelled to close you because you are violating the law. No more business permits. Business permit removed,” Rama he added.
Rama said he is serious about the matter, stressing that these establishments should not be violating the law.
Manny Rabacal
On Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, veteran journalist Manny delos Santos Rabacal, along with his group called “Pundok Sugboanon Community,” visited Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover in his office at Cebu City Hall, and filed a formal complaint regarding the issue.
Alcover told Sun•Star Cebu that Rabacal was denied the senior citizens’ benefits and privileges of a 20 percent discount in the purchase of a prescribed medicinal supplement last Jan. 18, 2024.
Alcover said Rabacal presented his senior citizen’s identification card, but was still denied his rights.
Alcover, who also leads the Cebu City Senior Citizens Council, asked the store management to attend a meeting on Monday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. to explain its side. If its representatives fail to appear, he said he will bring the issue to the City Council.
Alcover sent the invitation on Tuesday, Jan. 30. He said this is not the only complaint he received, but previous complainants were hesitant to file formal reports, leaving them with no solution.
Alcover said he even experienced the same incident before, which prompted him to call the attention of the management of a particular pharmacy, explaining to them that the local government unit could close their store if they are not following what is provided in the law regarding senior citizens discount.
Republic Act 9994, also known as “An Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation Building, Grant Benefits and Special Privileges and for other purposes,” provides senior citizens with a 20 percent discount on certain goods and services, as well as exemption from value-added tax (VAT) when applicable.
The provision includes discounts on medicines, vaccines, and essential medical supplies.
Violating the provisions of the act carries penalties, including imprisonment and fines ranging from P50,000 to P200,000.
Individuals who abuse the privileges granted by the act may face imprisonment and fines. If the offender is a corporation or similar entity, the responsible officials can also be held liable. | Sun•Star Cebu/aml
Cebu City • News & Information 