MANILA, Philippines: A popular coffee shop told lawmakers on Wednesday that it had removed the "erroneous" signage related to the discount for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The now-removed signage by Starbucks Coffee Philippines was an advisory that food and drink purchases with senior citizen and PWD discounts shall be limited to one food item and one drink per visit starting Jan. 15, 2024.
Angela Cole, operations director of Starbucks Coffee Philippines, told lawmakers of the House of Representatives during an inquiry that the now-removed signage "was not properly worded."
The House was investigating, in aid of legislation, the implementation of laws giving benefits to senior citizens and PWDs.
Cole said "we are taking full accountability and acknowledging the mistake. And we are... disappointed at the confusion that we had caused because of the erroneous signage. The signage was immediately removed... and the guideline never followed."
She said, "We remain steadfast in... extending the privileges as intended in all our stores throughout the Philippines."
ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said, "The explanation is accepted but why did you do it?"
Cole said, "It was an error." She said that the now-removed signage "was not properly worded so we acknowledge our mistake." She said, "Originally, it was in response to our employees asking for a suggested approach."
Senior citizens have benefits under Republic Act (RA) 9994 (the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010). PWDs have benefits under RA 10754 (Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs).
Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said during the inquiry that availment is curtailed by interpretations of "exclusive use" clauses.
Salceda proposed to clarify the definition of exclusive use.
Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo "Ompong" Ordanes, chairman of the House Committee on Senior Citizens, said in a statement on Wednesday that he would have a bill drafted to ensure that the 20 percent discount for senior citizens applies to sales promos.
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