Senior citizen discounts remain a problem area

FIRST OF all, let me congratulate Philippine National Police Director General Ricardo Marquez and his men for accomplishing their mission during the just concluded 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting.

Many of our people were inconvenienced by the road closures, the cancellation of flights, as well as by other travel restrictions. But when you host an international conference of this magnitude and scale, some sacrifices have to be made to ensure the utmost safety of our visitors, particularly in the light of the recent Paris terror attacks. Filipino hospitality is not just some tourism slogan. It is in the nature of our people that we take care of guests even at the expense of our own comfort.

Some people asked, why Manila as the site of Apec? Why not Subic or Clark, or some other place? Well, after much deliberation a decision was made by the leadership to host the event in Manila. We may not fully agree with the choice but once a decision is made, we should close ranks and do the best we can in support of that decision. That is the only way to move forward if we are to succeed in achieving our goals. The bureaucratic snafus that may occur are all part of the process. Few things in life are perfect. Only politicians cling to the silly notion that they are perfect!

It is good to keep in mind that if a serious breach of security occurred during the Apec, PNP chief Marquez would have been crucified and left hanging on the cross of public opinion.

Let me also commend Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., director general of the Apec National Organizing Committee, for the excellent work he continues to deliver on behalf of our nation. He was also the head of the organizing committee for the papal visit last January.

Paynor started from the lowest ranks of our foreign service, but he actually began his career in government service as a constabulary officer after graduating from the Philippine Military Academy with the Class of 1970. During the martial law period, he took the Foreign Service Officer exams and passed with flying colors. He later transferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs where he rose from vice consul to ambassador.

The nation continues to reap benefits from its investment in the PMA as its graduates provide leadership not just in the field of national security but also in the diplomatic arena, as well as in major organizational activities of the country.

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A senior citizen, Oscar Lagman, writes to complain that Generics Pharmacy Qualigen, at Star Mall Edsa corner Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City, denied him the senior citizen discount and that he was charged VAT for his purchase of an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. Upon presentation of his senior citizen ID card, purchase booklet and the doctor’s prescription, the pharmacy assistant, Ella Rose de Guzman, said that company policy does not allow senior citizen discounts on creams, only on maintenance medicines. Incidentally, Lagman has been buying the product since 2008 from various Generics Pharmacy outlets with the senior citizen discount being given him.

For the information of Generics Pharmacy Qualigen:

• Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, provides that “Senior Citizens shall be entitled to the grant of 20% discount and exemption from the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on the sale of the goods and services covered by Section 1 to 6 of this Article, for the exclusive use of senior citizens.”

• Section 1 (a) of Rule IV of the law states: “The 20% discount and VAT exemption shall apply to the purchase of generic or branded medicines and drugs by or for senior citizens…”

Nowhere can an interpretation in the form of company policy take precedence over the law.

• Penalties—Any person refusing to honor the senior citizen card shall suffer the following penalties. For the first violation, a fine of not less than P50,000 but not exceeding P100,000, and imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than six years. For subsequent violations, a fine of not less than P100,000 and imprisonment for not less than two years.

Persistent refusal by the outlet to honor the senior citizen card prompted Lagman to e-mail his complaint to Delfin Asistio, coordinator of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs of Mandaluyong City, and Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman.

As of today, no response has been received from either office or their staff.

May I remind Secretary Soliman and Asistio of RA 6713 (An Act Establishing A Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees). Section 5 of the Act reads: “All public officials and employees shall within

fifteen working days from receipt thereof, respond to letters, telegrams, or other means of communications sent by the public. The reply must contain the action taken on the request.”

Part of the problem of our senior citizens is the lack of enthusiasm and dedication by public officials to enforce applicable laws concerning senior citizens unless prodded on by the threat of criminal action.

Perhaps it is time for the Office of the Ombudsman to make some examples of public officials who show little inclination in carrying out their duties, by charging them administratively.

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Advisory for the Philippine golfing community.

Recently, retired admiral Tagumpay Jardiniano, 81, PMA Class 1957, and former flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy, scored a hole-in-one at the Philippine Navy golf course in Taguig City.

In the company of Ed Ermita, Joemari Gerochi, Berting Almera and Francisco Gamboa, the admiral aced hole 12, a distance of 144 yards using a sand wedge that looked like a driver. He hit a Srixon ball No. 1 that landed a few feet from the hole before rolling into the cup.

Unfortunately for the admiral, the collateral damage was much more than the monetary rewards provided by the Philippine Navy Golf Club for a hole-in-one.