Question & AnswerQ&A (DOA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 37, S. 2005)
The main purpose of DOA Administrative Order No. 37, S. 2005 is to implement the rules and regulations on the grant of special discounts to senior citizens on the purchase of basic necessities or prime agricultural commodities pursuant to Section 2 of R.A. 9257, the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003.
Senior citizens or elderly refer to any resident citizen of the Philippines who is at least sixty (60) years old.
The covered commodities include rice (except rice sold and retailed by the National Food Authority), food grade corn and corn grits, fresh fish and other marine products, fresh chicken eggs, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh vegetables including root crops, fresh fruits, onion, and garlic.
Retailers refer to persons engaged in the business of selling consumer products directly to consumers such as supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience and mini-convenience stores and shops. Sari-sari stores, public and private wet markets, talipapa, and cooperative stores are excluded.
A special discount of Five Percent (5%) of the regular retail price on basic necessities and prime commodities is granted.
Yes, the total amount of purchase with discount shall not exceed Six Hundred Fifty Pesos (P650.00) per calendar week without carry over of the unused amount.
The spending amount must be on at least four (4) kinds of items listed under the basic necessities and prime commodities.
A senior citizen must present his/her identification card issued by the Office for Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) of the city or municipality where he/she resides. Retailers may also ask for other government-issued identification if there is reasonable doubt.
A purchase booklet containing the name of the senior citizen, list of commodities, retailer name and address, date of purchase, and amount must be presented. The booklet is distributed by the OSCA.
They may appoint an authorized representative by written authority who must present a valid government-issued ID together with the OSCA ID of the senior citizen and an authorization letter.
Penal and administrative sanctions under Republic Act 9257 apply for violations under this Order.
The Order took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.