Senior Citizen Discounts in the Philippines: Save Big in 2024!

Senior Citizen Discounts in the Philippines: Your Guide to Saving in 2024

Are you a senior citizen in the Philippines looking to maximize your discounts? You've come to the right place! This guide will explain how to compute your senior citizen discount and where you can avail of it in 2024.

Benefits for Senior Citizens:

The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 9994) empowers Filipino senior citizens with various benefits, including discounts. Here's what you get:

• 20% discount on most goods and services offered by establishments registered with the government.
• Exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT), which can further reduce the price you pay.

Calculating Your Senior Citizen Discount:

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to compute your total discount:

1. Identify the Selling Price: This is the price of the item or service before any discounts are applied.
2. Compute the VAT-exempt amount: Divide the selling price by 1.12 (current VAT rate in the Philippines).

Formula: VAT-exempt amount = Selling Price / 1.12

3. Calculate the Senior Citizen Discount: Multiply the VAT-exempt amount by 20%.

Formula: Senior Citizen Discount = VAT-exempt amount x 20%

4. Find the amount payable: Subtract the senior citizen discount from the VAT-exempt amount.

Formula: Amount Payable = VAT-exempt amount - Senior Citizen Discount

Example:

Let's say a medicine costs ₱100. Here's how to compute the discount:

1. VAT-exempt amount = ₱100 / 1.12 = ₱89.29
2. Senior Citizen Discount = ₱89.29 x 20% = ₱17.86
3. Amount Payable = ₱89.29 - ₱17.86 = ₱71.43

Therefore, a senior citizen would only pay ₱71.43 for the ₱100 medicine, saving a total of ₱28.57 (₱17.86 discount + ₱10.71 VAT exemption).

Places to Avail Senior Citizen Discounts:

Senior citizens can enjoy discounts on a wide range of purchases and services, including:

• Transportation: Buses, trains, airplanes (discounted fares)
• Dining: Restaurants, fast food chains (on food and beverages)
• Accommodation: Hotels, resorts (on room rates)
• Healthcare: Medicines, medical and dental services (check with the specific provider)
• Entertainment: Cinemas, theaters, concerts, museums (admission fees)
• Government Services: Processing fees for documents and permits

Important Reminders:

• Always bring a valid Senior Citizen ID (issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority) to avail of the discount.
• Some establishments might have limitations or exclusions on their senior citizen discount promos. It's best to inquire beforehand.
• Not all goods and services are covered by the senior citizen discount.

By understanding how to compute your discount and knowing where to avail of it, you can maximize your savings as a senior citizen in the Philippines.

Teleconsultation for Senior Citizen Discounts in the Philippines

Important Note:

While teleconsultation services themselves cannot directly grant senior citizen discounts in the Philippines, they can be a valuable tool for seniors to connect with doctors and receive medical advice without needing to travel.

Here's why senior citizen discounts aren't directly applied during teleconsultation:

• Discounts applied at payment: Senior citizen discounts are typically applied during payment at the establishment providing the service or product (clinic, pharmacy, etc.).
• Teleconsultation leads to referrals: A teleconsultation might result in a prescription or referral for further medical services.

However, teleconsultation can be very helpful for seniors when it comes to senior citizen discounts:

• Understanding discount applicability: During the teleconsultation, you can discuss your situation with the doctor and see if the service or medication qualifies for a senior citizen discount. The doctor might be able to advise on alternative options covered by the discount.
• Prescription with discount note: If a prescription is issued through teleconsultation, some services might make a notation for the pharmacy to apply the senior discount upon purchase of medication.

Here's how senior citizens can maximize teleconsultation and senior citizen discounts:

1. Schedule a teleconsultation with a doctor.
2. Discuss your medical concerns and inquire about senior citizen discounts.
3. Ask if the doctor can make a note on any prescriptions for pharmacies to apply the discount.
4. Confirm with the pharmacy about discount application before completing the purchase.

Here are some additional resources that might be helpful:

• The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): The DTI is responsible for implementing consumer protection policies, including senior citizen discounts. You can visit their website (https://www.dti.gov.ph/) or contact them for inquiries.
• Your Local Government Unit (LGU): Some LGUs might offer additional benefits or discounts for senior citizens on healthcare services. Check your LGU website or social media pages for updates.

By combining teleconsultation with a little research and planning, senior citizens in the Philippines can access quality healthcare and maximize their senior citizen discounts.