Golf Car Rentals and Green Fees Entitled to the 20% Senior Citizens Discount

March 30, 2010

NCMB RESOLUTION NO. 01-10

RESOLUTION CLARIFYING THAT GOLF CART RENTALS AND GREEN FEES ARE WITHIN THE CONTEMPLATION OF RULE V, ARTICLE 7, SECTION 4 ON RECREATION CENTERS AND SPORTS FACILITIES ENTITLED TO THE 20% SENIOR CITIZENS DISCOUNT

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 9257, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003, provides for a 20% discount for the senior citizens from all recreation centers; AaCTcI

WHEREAS, Rule V, Article 7, Section 4 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9257 states that the discount in recreation centers shall be for the utilization of services in the form of fees, charges, and rental facilities such as but not limited to sports facilities and equipment;

WHEREAS, in drafting the IRR of the subject law, the framers intended to include golf cart rentals and green fees among the charges, rentals, and fees on sports facilities and equipment;

WHEREAS, Section 2, Subsection 4 of RA 9257 states that (a) the grant of twenty percent (20%) discount from all establishments relative to the utilization of services in hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants, and recreation centers, . . .; (stress supplied)

WHEREAS, Rule V, Article VII, Section 4 (c), provides that Recreation Centers — the discount shall be for the utilization of services in the form of fees, charges and rental facilities such as but not limited to sports facilities and equipment (stress supplied);

WHEREAS, the Department of Trade and Industry issued an opinion dated 22 May 2007 confirming the said intention;

WHEREAS, furthermore, the DOJ opined that the DSWD as the government agency primarily responsible for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of RA 9257, can formally adopt a position on specific issues and assume responsibility for it through the mandate of the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board (NCMB);

WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of Filipino senior citizens availing of their 20% discount on recreation centers and other similar places of leisure that the NCMB makes a definite statement on the subject matter.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, the Board categorically states that indeed golf cart rentals and green fees are within the contemplation of Rule V, Article 7, Section 4 as sports facilities, equipment and fees under "Recreation Centers" entitled to the 20% discount for the exclusive use and enjoyment of the senior citizens. HcACTE

RESOLVED FURTHER, that non-profit, non-stock golf and country clubs which are for the exclusive use of its members as shown by their Securities and Exchange (SEC) Registration, Constitution and By-Laws, are exempted from giving a twenty (20%) senior citizens discount for the use of their facilities and amenities;

However, private and independent concessionaires which are not owned by the club must grant the twenty (20%) senior citizens discount on all food purchases by Filipino elderly with valid OSCA IDs.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that copies of this resolution be furnished to DTI, DILG, FSCAP, and OSCA.

DONE this 30th day of March, in the year of the Lord, Two Thousand and Ten, in DSWD Bldg., Batasan Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City.

(SGD.) ALICIA R. BALANCMB Alternate Chairperson

(SGD.) ENCARNACION G. BLANCONCMB Vice Chairman

(SGD.) PAULYN JEAN ROSELL-UBIAL, MDMember

(SGD.) TERESITA R. DOMINGOMember

(SGD.) JOSE P. ORDOÑEZ, JR.Member

(SGD.) FRANSISKUS KUPANGMember

signed by representativeCOL. EMMANUEL V. DE OCAMPO, AFP (RET.)Member

(SGD.) FELIPE HIDALGO, JR.Member

(SGD.) SR. NIEVA MANZANO, DCMember