Fines set for senior citizens law violators

By Thelma C. Bicarme and Angely Lubo

SANTIAGO CITY – Fines have been set for owners or workers of establishments who refuse to give discounts to senior citizens as provided under Republic Act No. 9994 or the Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 2 bared this during a lecture on provisions of the said law during the Continuing Pharmacists Education Seminar here at Charina's Function Hall.

Lucia Alan, Chief of the DSWD 2 Technical Assistance Division who served as the lecturer of the RA 9994 thanked the organizers of the seminar saying it is a venue to strengthen the advocacy of the DSWD for the strict implementation of RA 9994.

Alan said that under RA 9994, 20% discount on the purchase of medicines in any drug stores is one of the privileges enjoyed by the senior citizens.

"Drugstore owners who refuse to honor the privileges intended to senior citizens will be penalized," Alan warned.

Alan also urged the pharmacy owners to report to their office any senior citizen who will abuse the privileges given to them.

Meanwhile, Alan announced that the DSWD Field Office 02 has already established its Senior Citizens help desk designed to help the senior citizens and to inform the public about the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

The Continuing Pharmacists Education Seminar which was sponsored by the Philippine Pharmacists Association, United Laboratories thru the Isabela Pharmacists Association was attended by more than 250 participants mostly pharmacy owners in the provinces of Isabela and Quirino.