Starbucks PH to offer 40% off on all food and drinks to seniors, PWDs, other eligible individuals on Jan. 24
Starbucks Philippines is offering 40% off to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, among other eligible individuals following their viral issue in line with limiting their discounts to only one food item and one beverage per visit.
The coffee chain made the announcement in an Instagram post on Tuesday, Jan. 23, calling it a "special treat" that will be available for one day only on Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Aside from seniors and PWDs, national athletes, eligible solo parents, and Medal of Valor awardees may also enjoy the deal.
"Eligible customers can avail of this discount for their exclusive use and personal consumption upon presenting a valid, original, actual and/or physical identification card," Starbucks Philippines said.
The beverage brand made the rounds on social media on Jan. 11 with its signage that read: "Starting January 15, 2024, food and beverage purchases with Senior Citizen, Person with Disability, and other government discounts shall be limited to one food item and one beverage only per visit. We appreciate your understanding."
Some regarded the move as "unacceptable" and tagged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in their tweets, while others explained how the discount privilege is abused as there are seniors and PWDs who use their discount IDs in different transactions for different orders in one visit just so they could get them at lower prices.
In a chat with PhilSTAR L!fe, DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles clarified that the law "does not limit one food item and one drink."
"It only says for personal and exclusive consumption of the senior citizen or PWD. This cannot be limited by any establishment as long as the senior citizen or PWD is going to consume the food and drinks," she said.
In a hearing ordered by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the coffee chain's operations manager Angela Cole apologized and clarified there was an error in their advisory, saying it was "not properly worded."
"We are taking full accountability and acknowledge the mistake. We are disappointed at the confusion we caused because of the erroneous signage," Cole said.
Noting how much they value their customers, Cole said that Starbucks Philippines "will continue to extend full discount privileges to senior citizens (and PWDs) for their personal use and enjoyment."