CAGAYAN de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has filed a measure that aims to institutionalize mechanisms for the granting of discounts and privileges to students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities in digital transactions.

Under House Bill 10157 or the proposed Digilat Transactions Discount Act,  all privileges and discounts provided for by laws to students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities shall be recognized and applied in all digital transactions.

The bill mandates all companies involved in the sales of goods and services via digital platforms must include a feature on their websites, mobile applications, and digital sale process that will enable claimants or their authorized representative to register their accounts to avail of such discounts.

Anyone who refuses to honor the discount and privileges to vulnerable sectors will suffer penalties such as imprisonment and fine.

Rodriguez said the more prevalent use of online transactions and the privileges and benefits granted to vulnerable sectors have been overlooked and in most cases not being applied.

“Very few of these businesses grant the discounts required by law on their digital platforms,” he said in his explanatory note.

“As such, we need new legislation to ensure that they are still able to avail of the discounts and privileges when they opt to procure necessaries through digital platforms,” he added.