In Manila, Philippines, senior citizen Melinda Rada has petitioned Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto to revoke the operating permit of a 5-star hotel for allegedly violating the Senior Citizen’s Act. Rada’s petition, grounded in the provisions of the Expanded Seniors Citizens Act (Republic Act 9994), argues that the hotel failed to respect her rights as a senior citizen by denying her mandated discounts.
Despite the hotel’s claim that the rate was on a promotional offer, they couldn’t provide evidence of such a promotion approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In response to Rada’s complaint, the hotel initially offered compensation, which Rada rejected, requesting instead a donation to a Senior Citizen foundation.
This incident highlights the legal protections under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, emphasizing the illegality of denying senior citizens and persons with disabilities their rights when promotions lack DTI approval.