Resolution Clarifying the Applicability of the 20% Senior Citizens Discount to Alcoholic Beverages

September 30, 2010

NCMB RESOLUTION NO. 02-10

RESOLUTION CLARIFYING THE APPLICABILITY OF THE 20% SENIOR CITIZENS DISCOUNT TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

WHEREAS, the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 or Republic Act No. 9994 and Its Implementing Rules and Regulations, provided for a twenty percent (20%) Senior Citizens' Discount from all establishments relative to the utilization of services in hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers, and purchase of medicines in all establishments for the exclusive use and enjoyment of senior citizens; EHTISC

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 9994 and its IRR states that the 20% discount shall apply, regardless of the amount, to all prices of goods and services offered to the general public of the amount purchased from all establishments covered by the law regardless of their classification;

WHEREAS, RA 9994 and its IRR state that the 20% discount shall apply on the purchase of food, drinks (including coffee and other beverages), desserts, and other consumable items served by establishments;

WHEREAS, following the true intention of the law, the exclusive use and enjoyment of the senior citizens is the main restriction or limitation considered by the inter agency committee headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in drafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9994;

WHEREAS, during the 3rd Quarterly meeting for 2010 of the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board (NCMB), it was recommended by the members that a clarification be made through an NCMB Resolution regarding the applicability of the senior citizens discount to alcoholic beverages;

WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of Filipino senior citizens availing of their 20% discount on food purchases, as well as restaurants and similar eating establishments for a categorical statement by the NCMB on the matter;

WHEREFORE, foregoing premises considered, the Board RESOLVES, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that:

1. Discounted drinks from restaurants shall include alcoholic beverages only under the following conditions:

a) if served with a meal and only in minimal quantities, i.e., a glass of wine with sit-down dinner, a bottle of beer with a solo order; caTIDE

b) may cover a pitcher of beer if served with a pizza or any food item meant to be shared by senior citizens as a group meal.

2. Bulk purchases of alcoholic beverages in cases and crates from groceries and supermarkets shall not be subject to the senior citizens discount since they are not considered prime commodities and basic necessities; and

3. Purchase of alcoholic beverages in business establishments for entertainment or recreation other than restaurants, shall not be subject to the senior citizens discount.

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

(SGD.) ALICIA R. BALANCMB Alternate ChairpersonUndersecretary for Policy and Programs GroupDepartment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

(SGD.) ENCARNACION G. BLANCONCMB Vice ChairmanAssistant SecretaryDepartment of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

(SGD.) PAULYN JEAN ROSELL-UBIAL, MDMemberAssistant SecretaryDepartment of Health (DOH)

(SGD.) TERESITA R. DOMINGOMemberAssistant SecretaryDepartment of Justice (DOJ)

(SGD.) JOSE P. ORDOÑEZ JR.MemberNational SecretaryFederation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP)

(SGD.) FRANSISKUS KUPANGMemberExecutive DirectorCoalition of the Service for the Elderly (COSE)

(SGD.) COL. EMMANUEL V. DE OCAMPO, AFP (RET.)MemberPresidentVeterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP)

(SGD.) FELIPE HIDALGO, JR.MemberAssociation of Retired Postal Employees and Senior Citizens, Inc. (ARPES)

(SGD.) SR. NIEVA MANZANO, DCMemberExecutive DirectorLouise de Marillac Foundation (LDMF)