SC: Senior citizen discounts can't be combined with other discounts

The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that discounts for senior citizens cannot be combined with other discounts, thus these price reductions cannot be applied on top of other promotions or discounts provided by businesses.

In a press briefer, the SC said that when goods or services are offered at promotional prices, senior citizens may choose either the promotional discount or the 20% senior citizen discount, whichever gives them greater savings.

"Granting an additional discount beyond what the law allows would unfairly benefit the customer at the business expense," the SC said.

The ruling stemmed from a case filed against a general manager of a hotel in Bacolod City for alleged violation of Republic Act 7432 or the Senior Citizens Act. The hotel executive was acquitted in the ruling.

Under the law, as amended by the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, Filipinos aged 60 and above are entitled to benefits and privileges, including a 20% discount on services in hotels, restaurants, and recreation centers.

According to the SC, the general manager was charged for refusing to grant two senior citizens their discounts.

However, the general manager argued that the hotel had already applied the 20% discount on the room rate negotiated by a club that the senior citizens were members.

The Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Regional Trial Court, and Court of Appeals found the general manager guilty.

For its part, the SC reversed the rulings, saying the hotel was not required to grant an additional 20% discount.

It said that while the Senior Citizens Act aims to protect and support senior citizens, its implementation must also be fair to businesses.

"[T]he State's pursuit of public welfare cannot be allowed to impose undue or confiscatory burdens on private establishments, whose continued viability is essential to the long-term effectiveness of the law," it said. — VDV, GMA News