Senior citizens and PWDs, whose polling precincts are located at upper levels of the school, are accommodated to cast their votes for the Barangay election at the faculty room of the Jose Rizal Elementary School in Pasay City. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News/File 

MANILA — A proposed law seeks to categorically impose the 20 percent discount of senior citizens even on promotional rates offered by commercial establishments.

House Bill 9850, filed by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Lordan Suan, aims to resolve the confusion over the application of the senior citizens' discount after complaints that some businesses limit or exclude the discount for items or services on promotional rates.

Around 2,000 complaints filed on denied senior, PWD discounts

"Although our senior citizens have been benefitting from the benefits and privileges afforded by the law, there is still some uncertainty about how the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption are calculated exactly. Furthermore, many are unsure whether goods and services are eligible for discounts and exemptions," Suan said in his explanatory note.

Suan proposed to grant the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption, if applicable, to promotional discount fares on domestic sea and air transport services as well as promotional discount rates in hotels, lodging houses, restaurants and recreation centers, including rates through third party service providers.

Seniors, PWDs urged to avail of 5 percent discount for basic, prime goods

Suan also wants a 20 percent discount on water and electricity bills.

He proposed that the senior citizen discount be extended to use of tollways.

PARKING, NUMBER CODING

In a separate bill, Suan sought to exempt senior citizens from parking fees in all commercial establishments and government buildings, as well as the number coding scheme.

"This proposed legislation serves as a powerful testament to our respect and appreciation for the lifelong contributions of senior citizens. It aims to alleviate their financial burdens from parking and number coding fees," Suan said in his explanatory note on House Bill 9848.

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