The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expressed its support for a motion put forth by two lawmakers to abolish the Senior Citizen’s Purchase Slip Booklet. This move comes in response to numerous complaints from the elderly regarding the difficulties they face in availing their entitled discounts.
DSWD spokesman, Romel Lopez, highlighted that the department has received various concerns and complaints over the years regarding the process of availing senior citizen discounts. In 2022 and 2023 alone, the department received 24 complaints specifically related to the purchase booklet.
ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, a former DSWD secretary, and Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo have taken the initiative to eliminate the purchase booklet based on the preliminary findings of their legislative investigation. This has garnered support from Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian, who has reached out to the Department of Health (DoH) and other relevant agencies to initiate the process of abolishing the booklet.
In order to explore alternative solutions, the DSWD’s Program Management Bureau (PMB) has been tasked with conducting research and providing recommendations. The bureau has proposed the adoption of digital purchase records for senior citizens, as they often forget to bring their booklets or read their contents. This shift towards technology aims to establish an efficient, consistent, and uniform implementation of the law and provisions for the availment of medicines, basic necessities, and prime commodities.
The Department of Health (DoH) explains that the primary purpose of the purchase slip booklets is to assist drugstores in tracking senior citizens’ most recent purchases of specific medications. However, Baguio Rep. Mark Go has submitted House Resolution 1263, which calls for an end to the mandatory requirement of the purchase slip booklet for senior citizens purchasing medications and goods.
Recognizing the need for change, on October 24, 2023, the DSWD sent a letter to the DoH expressing its support for the elimination of the purchase slip booklet. The department welcomes any potential changes that could simplify the guidelines, as long as the monitoring of purchases is ensured until the digitalization process is complete.
The DSWD’s endorsement of the motion to eliminate the Senior Citizen’s Purchase Slip Booklet demonstrates its commitment to addressing the concerns and challenges faced by senior citizens in availing their rightful discounts. By embracing technology and digitalization, the department aims to streamline the process, making it more accessible and convenient for senior citizens while ensuring the efficient implementation of the law.
The proposed shift from the physical booklet to digital purchase records aligns with the fast-paced advancements in technology and innovation. This transition will not only simplify the process but also provide a more reliable and accurate means of monitoring, storing, and reporting data. It is crucial to establish a system that is efficient, consistent, and uniform to ensure the smooth implementation of the law and the provision of benefits to senior citizens.
As the DSWD works towards the abolition of the purchase slip booklet, it remains dedicated to upholding the rights and welfare of senior citizens. By embracing change and leveraging technology, the department aims to create a more inclusive and accessible system that supports the well-being of the elderly population.
Source: The Manila Times
