Paging Angara: Please clarify law

Sen. Edgardo Angara should clarify the provisions of the Senior Citizen Law. Drug stores and we senior citizens are at a loss as to what

Ramon Farolan wrote in his Jan. 3, 2011, Reveille column, to quote:

“Senior Citizens shall be entitled to 20 percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT) of 12 percent on the sale of goods and services from establishments for the exclusive use of the senior citizens.”

I bought cans of milk for me (I am 90 years old) and for my 86-year-old sister who is down with Alzheimer’s and bed-ridden for the last 16 years. I was given a P350 discount for coupons given by Ensure Co. When I looked at the OR I found out that there was no 20-percent discount and I was charged the 12-percent VAT in the amount of P633.21.

In the above case, are we not entitled to the 20-percent discount and should I be charged the 12-percent VAT? I went to see the manager of Mercury Drug to inquire but he would not talk to me. And the reason is that there is a memo from one government office (I think it is the food and drugs office).

In case we are entitled to the 20-percent discount and the 12-percent VAT exemption, can we request for the refund thereof?

Hoping for the senator’s clarificatory statement.

—LEONILA S. DEL ROSARIO,

22 PV Kalaw St.,

Tierra Pura Homes,

Tandang Sora, Quezon City