QC dad cites strict sanctions on restos over elderly discounts
- Source:http://www.mb.com.ph/qc-dad-cites-strict-sanctions-on-restos-over-elderly-discounts/
- Thursday, December 31, 2015
- By Chito A. Chavez
A Quezon City (QC) councilor wants strict sanction imposed on business establishments who refused to prominently display signs detailing the privileges that should be accorded to senior citizens.
Recognizing the needs of the elderly who are in their twilight years, First District Councilor Victor Ferrer warned that firms covered by Republic Act (RA) number 9257 should grant the rights of the elderly especially during in these in dire times.
He issued the caution following the increased number of complaints that some stores, restaurants and similar firms in Quezon City have deliberately avoided placing stickers, posters and other notices in the hope of evading the benefits of the elderly.
RA 9257 also known as the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2003 requires establishments like restaurants to display signs stating the rights of individuals aged 60 years old and above.
To protect the elderly rights, Ferrer urged the public to report such violations saying that under ordinance SP 1858 S-O violators are to be punished by a fine of not more than P2,000 or an imprisonment of not exceeding 30 days or both upon the discretion of the courts.
“The ordinance makes the senior citizens feels secure. They will no longer feel that they are being neglected because they are already unproductive as compared to the younger residents. Through this, the privileges and benefits that are due to the senior citizens will be posted so as to generate awareness to their rights which has been somehow disregarded by some commercial establishments,” Ferrer said.
However, a restaurant owner complained that hard times have forced them to be little bit shrewd as they were left with minimal options due to the increasing prices of prime commodities.
He said that they continue to give the rights of the elderly who show their senior citizens cards but admitted declining to accord the same privileges to people who have no elderly proof to show.