BUSINESS operators in Dagupan City have been ordered to fully comply with the provisions of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act (Republic Act 9994), which provide special privileges to the elderly.

Noting non-compliance by a number of establishments, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed a resolution reminding owners of the provisions of the law, which include recognition of valid government-issued identification cards in lieu of a Senior Citizen card.

The Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affair (OSCA) in Dagupan issues IDs to residents who are 60 years old and above.

The resolution, drafted by Councilor Jesus D. Canto, cited that most business establishments only recognize IDs issued by the OSCA, but the law explicitly mentions the validity of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS) IDs, passport, driver’s license, voter’s and postal IDs as proofs for claiming benefits.

Under the resolution, all businesses are now required to post in their establishments a list of these valid IDs.

R.A. No. 9994 mandates all business establishments to grant senior citizens certain benefits such as exemption from the value added tax (VAT) and a 20 per cent discount on certain goods and services such as medicine, essential medical supplies, professional fees, dental fees, transportation fare, entertainment halls and similar facilities and funeral services. (CIO)

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