May we request your good agency to look on the violation of Mercury Drugs Store and St. Joseph Drug Store for not giving 20% discount to PWDs on the purchase of medicines. Assuming that their head office issued an order to all its branches that the 20% discount for PWDs will not be accepted, does this mean that PWDs can no longer avail said privileges. What is then now the intention of the framer of the said law in enacting this. Thus, this representation would like to request from your good agency to act immediately on this matters it is not only in our locality that we have already been experiencing this problem. Thank you
rommel arada Reply: December 11th, 2012 at 5:53 am
@Herminio Mendoza,
The problem to this date it persists, Mercury Drug said that they are waiting for the memo that will come from NCDA. After 3 years, unbelievable, as the president of a local PWD organization i’d like to inform everybody or anybody that can have a definitive solution, that just today, I talked to Ms. Lhen Rivera of Mercury Drug Teresa, Rizal branch that they are waiting for the guidelines from NCDA. 3 years ago they used that argument, until now? Inbelievable.
Good morning, I agree with Mr. Herminio Mendoza. I tried using the PWD ID twice at Mercury Drug Store and it was not honored twice despite that I have been showing them a copy of the R.A.9442. They said they are waiting for the memo that will come from NCDA. We are not isolated cases, I learned from other parents of PWD’s that they have the same problem with Mercury Drug Stores. Could someone please enlighten us why Mercury Drug Stores can get away with it? Mr. Mendoza’s comment above was dated September 16th and until now, no memo has been forwarded to Mercury Drug to take action. Hope this will be resolved soon. Thank you.
If R.A. 9442 is really an important law and NCDA is really empowered to implement it, why is it that NCDA is not doing any action to compel cities and municipalities not yet issuing PWD ID’s? Even establishments seem to ignore this law. Can the NCDA people do something to enforce the law? Not unless the people at the NCDA themselves do not know the law. I heard two people talking in the bus. They were discussing the question they posed to NCDA personnel they surveyed along the hall way of the NCDA office. It turned out that a lot of the people they asked do not even know that there is such a law. How I wished I had asked the two people’s identity and contact information so that I could have properly quoted them here and NCDA could have a good starting point in becoming more serious in implementing the act.
mary arlene p. satuito on
January 22nd, 2010 10:10 am
I was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2 B year 2001, does this fall under PWD and was also curious why the program is not open to all LGU like pasig City.
Rolando S. Braza Reply: February 22nd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
@mary arlene p. satuito,
Hi mary arlene,
I am from pasig and i got my pwe id at the health dept located at room 5, 5th floor city hall bldg. It is unfortunate, however, that you will have to get your purchase card for wet and dry goods from NCDA’s office at brgy. holy spirit in q.c.
regards
p.s.
you will have to bring with you a clinical abstract or certification on your disability and a 1×1 photo. Look for Ms. Necie
This has reference to PWD patients who have been clinically diagnosed through their individual clinical abstracts or certifications from the the Municipal Health Office or its Satellite Offices or Stations at their respective Barangays. Needless to say, all of the required documentations are duly validated by City or Municipality Health Officers are entitled for the PWD ID Cards. Hence, may I request from your humble selves to dispense the attachments of the corresponding Clinical Abstracts considering the issuance of individual PWD IDs have been duly screened and evaluated. Henceforth, all PWD patients with IDs need not have to attach clinical abstract in purchasing over-the-counter medicines or basic commodities. I hope the NCDA managment shall heed to my request for hassle free. I hope my constructive suggestions merit your kind considerations and approval. Thank you.
hello, my youngest daughter is 25 years old and is totally disabled since she underwent several surgical procedures due to hydrocephalus when she was barely 1 month old. i just learned of the NCDA from one of the staff of the billing department of Phil Children’s Medical Center where she was last confined for removal of her shunt. One of the requirements 6to avail of the 20% discount is an identification card, i dont know how she can get one, do i have to bring her to your office? or a a photograph suffice to show she is really totally a disable person, she cant see, hear, talk, walk or anything. in short she is an invalid and has to be be taken cared off. please i need your help,. thanks
Nais ko lang po na ipaalam sa inyo na hindi po tinatangap sa MERCURY DRUG STORE at MEDEXPRESS and PWD id. Malaking tulong po sa mga may kapansanan ang magkaroon ng ganitong pribelehiyo lalong-lalo na sa mga gamot na bibilin. Sana po ay bigyan po ninyo ng kaukulang pansin ang hiling ng mga taong may kapansanan.
Good day! I also tried to use the PWD id of my son at mercury drug store and even told them that the TRO they are saying was already lifted, they say they are still waiting for some papers from the court. so sad…
My wife went to Mercury Madison (Ash Creek, Greenhills) yesterday.
Firstly, she was told that there is a “time window” on when a PWD can avail of her privilege. This is a violation of the spirit of the law in that they are making things even more difficult for the PWD.
Secondly, my wife is also prescribed Polynerve (for her nerve damage). But because this medicine also has some vitamins included in its formulation, the branch was claiming that vitamins are included in the discount. Who are these pharmacists to question our doctors’ diagnosis? My reading of the laws and IRR is that “medicine” includes prescription AND non-prescription medicine, so long as its for the exclusive use of the PWD.
I believe that Mercury is also trying to limit the discount only to medicine that is specifically for the PWD’s medical disability condition (ex. insulin for diabetics). Is this also legal?
One of the member of our organization is now experiencing the non-acceptance of 20% discount on hospital bill of Mt. Carmel Diocesan General Hospital in Lucena City. Please help us to deal with this problem.. The patient has a chronic disease onwhich a regular weekly dialysis is badly needed.
Just had a VERY stressful time at Mercury Drug C&B Mall in Marikina an hour ago when i bought my anticonvulsant drugs. When i presented my PWD ID, I was refused discount as the type of disability in it is just CHRONIC ILLNESS. It has to be specific they said, not just Chronic Illness, according to the new memo they have (this was despite the prescription I had). When i demanded to see it, they said they cannot show it as its internal – from NCDA to Mercury Drug.
Upon calling DSWD Office, they said that yes, there are several complaints already. IDs neet to changed, and make it specific already. The memo was effective November 2011.
Why was this not known to us as soon as possible? Why do we have to experience refusal before knowing the rules? We have an active group communicating constantly and this was not known to us. How was this communicated, by the way? And how come, we are deprived of seeing it upon request?
The restrictions are growing and growing. This is illustrating biases and it’s not favoring us, persons with disabilities. It is very disappointing.
Claro Carino Reply: November 27th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@Glenda Carlota,
Mam, gud morning. I came accross your complaint. Am furnishing you a press statement from Akbayan Partylist especially from Rep. Walden Bello as Mercury Drug agreed to provide discounts to PWDs. Akala ko po ay ok na pero matigas po talaga ang ulo ng Mercury Drug. I got this from the internet. Sana po ay makatulong po sa inyo.
Claro C. Carino
Public Service Advisory on Mercury Drug Corporation’s delayed implementation of the 20% discount on medicines for PWDs
.ni Walden Bello noong Miyerkules, Marso 30, 2011 nang 9:40 PM.Public Service Advisory on Mercury Drug Corporation’s delayed implementation of the 20% discount on medicines for PWDs
Per approval of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Mercury Drug Corporation will begin the implementation of the 20% Discount on Medicines for PWDs on May 1, 2011.
According to the Memorandum of Agreement between Mercury Drug Corporation the House of Representatives Committee on Social Services (HRep-CSS) and Akbayan Party signed on March 1, 2011, Mercury Drug Corp. was given one month to prepare for the implementation of the said discount.
However on March 14, 2011 the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) granted Mercury Drug Corporation an extension of one month, from April 2011 to May 1, 2011, to make all the necessary adjustments in their operating systems to properly implement and account for the discounts.
Akbayan shares the disappointment of Filipinos with Disabilities and their families in the announcement of this unexpected delay. Rest assured that we will continue to receive your concerns and act on them accordingly. We will also keep you updated on the status of the implementation of the discount.
To avail of the discount, Filipinos with Disabilities must have the following:
1. PWD identification card;
2. Doctor’s prescription, even for over-the-counter medicines; and
3. Purchase booklet.
In case a representative will make the purchase, in addition to previous requirements, s/he must also present
1. A currently dated authorization letter; and
2. Identification card.
For more info, you may contact Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello through 931-6575 or rep.waldenbello@yahoo.com.
Dinah Cristina A. Amane Reply: January 31st, 2012 at 8:00 am
@Claro Carino, please elucidate further if indeed, the Memorandum of Agreement as mentioned still exists. I am a breast cancer warrior, Medullary Carcinoma, Stage 2B diagnosed in March 18, 2009. I represent a self-help group in our place(Pink Buddies). Mercury Drug did not honor a member’s disability card bearing “chronic illness.” She was told to change her disability card and to state what caused her disability. That there should be a specific cause for us to categorically claim “disabled.” I wrote the branch(Mercury) serving them a notice to make them aware of Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. The District Manager came to see me and explained the reason for their refusal. Thank you.
Good day,
We are a little confused about the difference betwen a CHRONIC DISABILITY CARD vs a PERMANENT DISABILITY CARD in as fas as discounts in MERCURY DRUGSTORES in Pasig. They told us that, they will no longer give discounts unless its a PERMANENT DISABILITY CARD.
Then, we were trying to avail of Laboratory fee discounts at the National Kidney Insitute but the guy at the cashier told us that they dont honor it or they dont have the implementing guidelines yet on how to apply discounts. But at the Pasig City General Hospital, as well as the private laboratories nearby they are honoring it. This is really confusing
I’m a physician working in a dialysis center and I have several patients complaining that MERCURY DRUGSTORE is not honoring their status as PWD. Mercury Drugstore’s rationale was, CHRONIC ILLNESSES are not covered by RA 9442. It is clear that some chronic illnesses (e.g. diabetes and hypertension) may not show concomitant disability. However, some chronic illnesses (e.g. ESRD dialysis patients) may require lifelong treatment/procedure to sustain life and hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. (Making the Chronic Illness a DISABILITY). “Chronic illnesses” may not be covered by RA 9442 but it is clearly stated that “Chronic Illnesses with Disability” should be covered by RA 9442.
This is one of the 7 types of disabilities defined under RA 7227, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons”. Consistent with the pertinent definitions used in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7227, RA 9442 and DOH Administrative order No. 2009-0011. These patients are considered as persons with disability (PWD) and entitled to the privileges and incentives mandated by law.
The high cost of medicines and dialysis treatments is already a burden to this group of patients and such injustice should not be tolerated.
good day..just tonight we use the PWD id of my niece at SOUTH STAR Drugstore at cherry foodarama branch in mandaluyong.. ang address po namin ay sa up diliman…is it true na hindi kami puede bumili sa kanila dahil taga quezon city kami?what if emergency na hindi pa rin puede bumili?pls…confirm po..
Hi everyone. Just want to clear out something regarding discounts on medicines for PWD especially availing in Mercury Drugstores. i am an acid attack victim. My entire face and body is now covered with scars. And scar medicine is very expensive. I am buying scargel meds in different mercury drugstores with my prescription from doctors. Unfortunately, they are not giving me discount because according to them it is not a medicine. what the??? I am disabled because of the acid attack and the only way that i can recover is to at least lessen the scars in my body… Can somebody please help me regarding this matter? I am buying weekly a piece of this scar gel for treatment and it is expensive.. Please help me. 09165843830
Do we really need to present prescription before buying medicine in mercury drug. What if its like the usual cough or fever medicines lang like biogesic or neozep. I think its a self medication process na and no need to go to the doctor
Good day.
I have no problemI buying Protexin Restore for my 3year old son for the past 2 years at MercuryDrug store using his pwd ID. But this morning, shocked to find out that it is no longer included in pwd discount. Yes, this only shows that restrictions are growing and growing! Please do something about it.
Sir/Madam gud day po sa lahat ng Staff. Ako poy isang PWD member (polio victim) and recently a Employed at our own LGU (CSWDO), Canlaon City, negros Oriental. Mag inquire lng po kc parang kulang ang Purchase Booklet namin. We would like to ask a SOFT COPY OF THE PURCHASE BOOKLET FOR PWD. Kindly send it pls to rennacs18@gmail.com or rennacs18@yahoo.com .
Good day. My 4 yo son has a PWD ID.I bought a paracetamol & a cough syrup for he has fever & cough. Mercury did not gave us this 20% discount coz i need to secure a doctor’s prescription for just a paracetamol & a cough syrup. so, come to think of it, i even wantd to avail a discount for my son which wud only cost P50. how cud i save money for that if i stll have to pay 300 for the doc’s fee( just to have a doc’s prscrptn)??? just to avail 20% disc of med which would cost 250 pesos only???
My wife is stage 1V cancer patient. During the last 2 months Mercury would give her a 20% discount on the medicines she buys. Last week however, Mercury decide to stop giving the discount in the guise of this & that & all the reasons.
Question is, what remedies can she avail of to enable Mercury to give the 20% discount which they had been given before?
magandang umaga po. Ako po si aldrin alcantara. Ako po ay pwd pitong taon na..putol ang dalawang kamay at paa. pero sa loob po ng mahabang panahon wala po akong nahinging tulong mula sa organisasyon na dapat ay makakatulong sa mga katulad ko..samantalang bilyon bilyon ang ninanakaw ra kaban ng bayan ng mga walang awang pulitiko..mayroon po bang maaring makatulong sa akin.
is it true that NCDA has issued a memo that “Chronic Illness” is not considered a disability anymore?
a branch of Mercury Drug refused the PWD ID card of my sister, saying that NCDA has issued a memo that excludes “Chronic Illness” from the 20% discount privilege
June 17, 2014, I was purchasing my medicines at Mercury Drug Store at EDSA Monumento when they are questioning my PWD and my rights for a 20% discount. They are questioning “chronic illness particularly RA” from the PWD.
They gave me at that moment my 20% discount but according to them next time it wont be allowed because chronic illness is no longer included.
Please clarify on this matter. Thank you very much.tagedco
Luis Francisco Amado R. Barrientos on
June 24th, 2014 2:06 am
I have read most of the comments here. I was also refused purchase of my meds at Mercury Drug, ATC branch, June 23, 2014 at around 5PM. They hyped up the word CHRONIC ILLNESS in my valid PWD card. I have diabetis that led to CKD and Ischemic Infraction left and Hypertension. I have brought with me all my prescription, PWD ID, and the copy of Republic Act 9442. The funny thing in my experience was that I have purchased meds in the same store several times without any trouble. Now they are telling me, “Sir di po ito pwedeng gamitin.” They even suggested to have my card changed. I am now confused and very disappointed. What should I do NCDA?
Can NCDA provide a list of type of disabilities so that we will know if we are qualified in this program. Coz I believe that sometimes its all about politics. They give PWD Id’s so that these people from the government will have a good image to them. The moment we will purchase a medicine some drugstore will turn down the transaction telling that illness is different from disability.
I was diagnosed with breast ca stage 0 and under series of medication for 5 years. I’ve been using my PWD ID for more than a year now. Today, I purchased meds from Mercury Drug, M.L. Quezon St. Antipolo City and was informed that I will no longer be able to avail of the discount next time for the reason that the Psychosocial Disability is not indicated in the type of disability instead what is in my ID is “breast ca stage 0”. I was advised to change my ID into a new one as per the new memo for PWD. Please take note that the expiration of my PWD ID will be on 2016 yet I need to change into a new one or I will not be able to avail of the discount. Please clarify and I need your assistance regarding this concern. Thank you.
I feel your pain i am a pwd person myself diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder, those of you who have been needlessly harmed and shamed by Mercury drugstore or other drugstore in the country will be vindicated because i already filed a lawsuit against this giant corporation for violation of ra 10754 sec 2, ra 9442 rule 3 5.6 and rule 4 6.1.d, the ncda is toothless lion of an agency , they are so scared of Mercury drug an official there tried to discourage me from filing the lawsuit here in hometown of marikina city, but with the grace of god the city prosecutors office accepted my complaint affidavit and is now in the process of preliminary investigation, please pray that the prosecutor find probable cause to take Mercury drug to court, by the way iam suing ms que azcona president of Mercury drug
@Eric manuel villamiel, its sad how these people who are supposed to help people with illnesses and disabilities by selling medication are the number one cause of distress to people with disabilty. I hope and pray that your lawsuit flourishes for the people who cnt fight for themselves. A right is a right. If supermarkets food chains and transportation adhere who are they to refuse. Its sad how greedy these drug corporations and hospitals are with money.
Noong bumili ako sa mercury ng Vit calcium caltrate pra sa buto kasi my bali ako.noong nagpresent me ng PWD I.D at booklet ay di raw pwd kasi walang resita..anu po ba ang dapat?kaylangan lagi my resita?ung calcium caltrate ay vitamins ko xa kasi pra sa buto ko kasi un ang recommended ng Doctor sa Orthopedic.
I am here searching for the DOH Guidelines for giving discounts to PWDs. I was confronted with a very rude man with a PWD card, I didn’t mind that he was speaking loudly nor that he was basically waving his ID to our faces. What I am really irate about is that person wanted to get his 20% discount without his purchase book which is required by the DOH Guidelines that he present. He threatened call the NCDA and even said that he didn’t care about store policies because ‘PWD ako'(repeated many times over). Rather than argue with him we just gave him his 1.5php discount on 1 piece of saridon.
Hi Good Morning,
I was just issued my PWD Card and number recently. I just woul want to make a clarification on the right discount in the purchse of medicine.
I bought a P 947.25 worth of meds at Mercury Drug.
20% was discounted from the VAT EX amount (845.76 x .20 = 169.15)
Is it right that they still imposed 12% VAT on the discounted amount which is 676.61 requiring me to pay 757.80* ?
Joel F. Musngi Reply: January 16th, 2017 at 4:35 pm
@Rodrigo R. Guevarra,
hay… up to now this MERCURY DRUGSTORE still imposed the 12% VAT on us PWDs when i ask the manager of a particular store here in pampanga there reason was they were waiting for the IRR of RA 10754 and when the IRR was released another reason was they were waiting for system update i recall when an alike law was enacted for the senior citizen the implementation of the vat exempt was upon the released of the IRR of the expanded senior citizens law but somehow for us PWDs it was so “BAGAL”. i wonder what was the action of the NCDP with regards to this. im hoping that on my next purchased on mercury no VAT will be imposed on my medicines.
Would like to confirm with you. I have lost my prescription for an eye drop which i needed in preparation for the cataract surgery of my left eye. The assistant of my doctor sent a photo of the prescription to me via viber because his clinic is at Asian Hospital and i currently reside at QC.
Now when Im already going to buy the eye drops (anti infective) i presented the photo of the prescription along with my pwd booklet and id to Mercury Drug kamuning branch, they wont honor it. They said they need the prescription itself even if it was named to me. Iritated, i asked “so kapag prinint kon tong photo pwede na? So di ko mabibili tong eye drops kahit i already need it prior to my cataract surgery?” They said mabibili ko ung eye drops but i cant avail of the pwd discount.
Is this reasnable? And with today’s age of everything difital, dapat laging may dala dalang papel na prescription? Hoping you can shed light on this.
Mercury Drug has several creative ways of dishonoring the PWD discount. One is by saying that prescriptions expire after 6 months (even if the medicine is for a continuing / life-long condition like hypertension). Perusing the DOH guidelines reveals that no such imposition exists. In fact, the DOH IRR states that even over-the-counter drugs are subject to the discounts but Mercury Drug avers otherwise. I pray the NCDA with the DOH look into these practices because they are further marginalizing PWDs.
It would be appreciated if you reply through my email that you have read this. Thank you very much.
Silvano Domino M. Palacio on
November 19th, 2017 11:26 pm
Good day. I just want to raised my concern regarding Med Express pharmacy located at the ground floor of Cebu Doctors Hospital in cebu city. Last friday I bought a branded medicines Xenical to thier pharmacy but they told me that their will be no stocks at hat moment. However the pharmacy assistant offer me another brand which is Orlyz brand with the generic of Orlistat. I thought it was covered by PWD discounts but it was not when i discovered after 2 days since I bought the medicines Orlyz. So i went this evening to Med Express and raised my concern about the diacounts. However they told me that the medicines I buy were not covered by PWD discou ts because it was not on their systems. Then I ask of they have a Xenical branded meds and they told me that they have a stocks and it was not also covered by PWD discounts. I was confused because 2 hours before I raised my concerned to Med express I buy a Xwnical meds to Rose pharmacy and Rose pharmacy granted my PWD discounts to Xenical meds. My first concern is that why are some pharmacy offer and grant a discounts to a Xenical meds while Med Express did not grant a discou t to this xenical meds. Secondly, is Orlyz covered for a PWD discounts or not? Thirdly, i wonder that the pharmacist on duty hindi humarap sa amin para makipag usap and to make any neccessary solutionto my concern. Please I just want a verification and solutions to myconcern. Thanks
Good day! !
May we request your good agency to look on the violation of Mercury Drugs Store and St. Joseph Drug Store for not giving 20% discount to PWDs on the purchase of medicines. Assuming that their head office issued an order to all its branches that the 20% discount for PWDs will not be accepted, does this mean that PWDs can no longer avail said privileges. What is then now the intention of the framer of the said law in enacting this. Thus, this representation would like to request from your good agency to act immediately on this matters it is not only in our locality that we have already been experiencing this problem. Thank you
Herminio
[Reply to this comment]
rommel arada Reply:
December 11th, 2012 at 5:53 am
@Herminio Mendoza,
The problem to this date it persists, Mercury Drug said that they are waiting for the memo that will come from NCDA. After 3 years, unbelievable, as the president of a local PWD organization i’d like to inform everybody or anybody that can have a definitive solution, that just today, I talked to Ms. Lhen Rivera of Mercury Drug Teresa, Rizal branch that they are waiting for the guidelines from NCDA. 3 years ago they used that argument, until now? Inbelievable.
[Reply to this comment]
Good morning, I agree with Mr. Herminio Mendoza. I tried using the PWD ID twice at Mercury Drug Store and it was not honored twice despite that I have been showing them a copy of the R.A.9442. They said they are waiting for the memo that will come from NCDA. We are not isolated cases, I learned from other parents of PWD’s that they have the same problem with Mercury Drug Stores. Could someone please enlighten us why Mercury Drug Stores can get away with it? Mr. Mendoza’s comment above was dated September 16th and until now, no memo has been forwarded to Mercury Drug to take action. Hope this will be resolved soon. Thank you.
[Reply to this comment]
Hello,
If R.A. 9442 is really an important law and NCDA is really empowered to implement it, why is it that NCDA is not doing any action to compel cities and municipalities not yet issuing PWD ID’s? Even establishments seem to ignore this law. Can the NCDA people do something to enforce the law? Not unless the people at the NCDA themselves do not know the law. I heard two people talking in the bus. They were discussing the question they posed to NCDA personnel they surveyed along the hall way of the NCDA office. It turned out that a lot of the people they asked do not even know that there is such a law. How I wished I had asked the two people’s identity and contact information so that I could have properly quoted them here and NCDA could have a good starting point in becoming more serious in implementing the act.
[Reply to this comment]
I was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2 B year 2001, does this fall under PWD and was also curious why the program is not open to all LGU like pasig City.
[Reply to this comment]
Rolando S. Braza Reply:
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
@mary arlene p. satuito,
Hi mary arlene,
I am from pasig and i got my pwe id at the health dept located at room 5, 5th floor city hall bldg. It is unfortunate, however, that you will have to get your purchase card for wet and dry goods from NCDA’s office at brgy. holy spirit in q.c.
regards
p.s.
you will have to bring with you a clinical abstract or certification on your disability and a 1×1 photo. Look for Ms. Necie
[Reply to this comment]
Hello Concerned NCDA Officers,
This has reference to PWD patients who have been clinically diagnosed through their individual clinical abstracts or certifications from the the Municipal Health Office or its Satellite Offices or Stations at their respective Barangays. Needless to say, all of the required documentations are duly validated by City or Municipality Health Officers are entitled for the PWD ID Cards. Hence, may I request from your humble selves to dispense the attachments of the corresponding Clinical Abstracts considering the issuance of individual PWD IDs have been duly screened and evaluated. Henceforth, all PWD patients with IDs need not have to attach clinical abstract in purchasing over-the-counter medicines or basic commodities. I hope the NCDA managment shall heed to my request for hassle free. I hope my constructive suggestions merit your kind considerations and approval. Thank you.
[Reply to this comment]
hello, my youngest daughter is 25 years old and is totally disabled since she underwent several surgical procedures due to hydrocephalus when she was barely 1 month old. i just learned of the NCDA from one of the staff of the billing department of Phil Children’s Medical Center where she was last confined for removal of her shunt. One of the requirements 6to avail of the 20% discount is an identification card, i dont know how she can get one, do i have to bring her to your office? or a a photograph suffice to show she is really totally a disable person, she cant see, hear, talk, walk or anything. in short she is an invalid and has to be be taken cared off. please i need your help,. thanks
[Reply to this comment]
Good Afternoon Ma’am,
Nais ko lang po na ipaalam sa inyo na hindi po tinatangap sa MERCURY DRUG STORE at MEDEXPRESS and PWD id. Malaking tulong po sa mga may kapansanan ang magkaroon ng ganitong pribelehiyo lalong-lalo na sa mga gamot na bibilin. Sana po ay bigyan po ninyo ng kaukulang pansin ang hiling ng mga taong may kapansanan.
Salamat po.
[Reply to this comment]
Good day! I also tried to use the PWD id of my son at mercury drug store and even told them that the TRO they are saying was already lifted, they say they are still waiting for some papers from the court. so sad…
[Reply to this comment]
Good day!
I have just come from Mercury Trinoma, and there were no problems availing of the PWD discount for my wife’s medicine.
At long last!
[Reply to this comment]
My wife went to Mercury Madison (Ash Creek, Greenhills) yesterday.
Firstly, she was told that there is a “time window” on when a PWD can avail of her privilege. This is a violation of the spirit of the law in that they are making things even more difficult for the PWD.
Secondly, my wife is also prescribed Polynerve (for her nerve damage). But because this medicine also has some vitamins included in its formulation, the branch was claiming that vitamins are included in the discount. Who are these pharmacists to question our doctors’ diagnosis? My reading of the laws and IRR is that “medicine” includes prescription AND non-prescription medicine, so long as its for the exclusive use of the PWD.
I believe that Mercury is also trying to limit the discount only to medicine that is specifically for the PWD’s medical disability condition (ex. insulin for diabetics). Is this also legal?
[Reply to this comment]
kenneth yu Reply:
May 15th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
@Kenneth Yu,
Correction. …the branch was claiming that vitamins are NOT included in the discount.
[Reply to this comment]
One of the member of our organization is now experiencing the non-acceptance of 20% discount on hospital bill of Mt. Carmel Diocesan General Hospital in Lucena City. Please help us to deal with this problem.. The patient has a chronic disease onwhich a regular weekly dialysis is badly needed.
[Reply to this comment]
Just had a VERY stressful time at Mercury Drug C&B Mall in Marikina an hour ago when i bought my anticonvulsant drugs. When i presented my PWD ID, I was refused discount as the type of disability in it is just CHRONIC ILLNESS. It has to be specific they said, not just Chronic Illness, according to the new memo they have (this was despite the prescription I had). When i demanded to see it, they said they cannot show it as its internal – from NCDA to Mercury Drug.
Upon calling DSWD Office, they said that yes, there are several complaints already. IDs neet to changed, and make it specific already. The memo was effective November 2011.
Why was this not known to us as soon as possible? Why do we have to experience refusal before knowing the rules? We have an active group communicating constantly and this was not known to us. How was this communicated, by the way? And how come, we are deprived of seeing it upon request?
The restrictions are growing and growing. This is illustrating biases and it’s not favoring us, persons with disabilities. It is very disappointing.
[Reply to this comment]
Claro Carino Reply:
November 27th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@Glenda Carlota,
Mam, gud morning. I came accross your complaint. Am furnishing you a press statement from Akbayan Partylist especially from Rep. Walden Bello as Mercury Drug agreed to provide discounts to PWDs. Akala ko po ay ok na pero matigas po talaga ang ulo ng Mercury Drug. I got this from the internet. Sana po ay makatulong po sa inyo.
Claro C. Carino
Public Service Advisory on Mercury Drug Corporation’s delayed implementation of the 20% discount on medicines for PWDs
.ni Walden Bello noong Miyerkules, Marso 30, 2011 nang 9:40 PM.Public Service Advisory on Mercury Drug Corporation’s delayed implementation of the 20% discount on medicines for PWDs
Per approval of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Mercury Drug Corporation will begin the implementation of the 20% Discount on Medicines for PWDs on May 1, 2011.
According to the Memorandum of Agreement between Mercury Drug Corporation the House of Representatives Committee on Social Services (HRep-CSS) and Akbayan Party signed on March 1, 2011, Mercury Drug Corp. was given one month to prepare for the implementation of the said discount.
However on March 14, 2011 the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) granted Mercury Drug Corporation an extension of one month, from April 2011 to May 1, 2011, to make all the necessary adjustments in their operating systems to properly implement and account for the discounts.
Akbayan shares the disappointment of Filipinos with Disabilities and their families in the announcement of this unexpected delay. Rest assured that we will continue to receive your concerns and act on them accordingly. We will also keep you updated on the status of the implementation of the discount.
To avail of the discount, Filipinos with Disabilities must have the following:
1. PWD identification card;
2. Doctor’s prescription, even for over-the-counter medicines; and
3. Purchase booklet.
In case a representative will make the purchase, in addition to previous requirements, s/he must also present
1. A currently dated authorization letter; and
2. Identification card.
For more info, you may contact Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello through 931-6575 or rep.waldenbello@yahoo.com.
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Dinah Cristina A. Amane Reply:
January 31st, 2012 at 8:00 am
@Claro Carino, please elucidate further if indeed, the Memorandum of Agreement as mentioned still exists. I am a breast cancer warrior, Medullary Carcinoma, Stage 2B diagnosed in March 18, 2009. I represent a self-help group in our place(Pink Buddies). Mercury Drug did not honor a member’s disability card bearing “chronic illness.” She was told to change her disability card and to state what caused her disability. That there should be a specific cause for us to categorically claim “disabled.” I wrote the branch(Mercury) serving them a notice to make them aware of Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. The District Manager came to see me and explained the reason for their refusal. Thank you.
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Good day,
We are a little confused about the difference betwen a CHRONIC DISABILITY CARD vs a PERMANENT DISABILITY CARD in as fas as discounts in MERCURY DRUGSTORES in Pasig. They told us that, they will no longer give discounts unless its a PERMANENT DISABILITY CARD.
Then, we were trying to avail of Laboratory fee discounts at the National Kidney Insitute but the guy at the cashier told us that they dont honor it or they dont have the implementing guidelines yet on how to apply discounts. But at the Pasig City General Hospital, as well as the private laboratories nearby they are honoring it. This is really confusing
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Good day!
I’m a physician working in a dialysis center and I have several patients complaining that MERCURY DRUGSTORE is not honoring their status as PWD. Mercury Drugstore’s rationale was, CHRONIC ILLNESSES are not covered by RA 9442. It is clear that some chronic illnesses (e.g. diabetes and hypertension) may not show concomitant disability. However, some chronic illnesses (e.g. ESRD dialysis patients) may require lifelong treatment/procedure to sustain life and hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. (Making the Chronic Illness a DISABILITY). “Chronic illnesses” may not be covered by RA 9442 but it is clearly stated that “Chronic Illnesses with Disability” should be covered by RA 9442.
This is one of the 7 types of disabilities defined under RA 7227, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons”. Consistent with the pertinent definitions used in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7227, RA 9442 and DOH Administrative order No. 2009-0011. These patients are considered as persons with disability (PWD) and entitled to the privileges and incentives mandated by law.
The high cost of medicines and dialysis treatments is already a burden to this group of patients and such injustice should not be tolerated.
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good day..just tonight we use the PWD id of my niece at SOUTH STAR Drugstore at cherry foodarama branch in mandaluyong.. ang address po namin ay sa up diliman…is it true na hindi kami puede bumili sa kanila dahil taga quezon city kami?what if emergency na hindi pa rin puede bumili?pls…confirm po..
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@diane ocampo, nationalized po ang pwd id kahit na lgu ang ang nag issue.
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Hi everyone. Just want to clear out something regarding discounts on medicines for PWD especially availing in Mercury Drugstores. i am an acid attack victim. My entire face and body is now covered with scars. And scar medicine is very expensive. I am buying scargel meds in different mercury drugstores with my prescription from doctors. Unfortunately, they are not giving me discount because according to them it is not a medicine. what the??? I am disabled because of the acid attack and the only way that i can recover is to at least lessen the scars in my body… Can somebody please help me regarding this matter? I am buying weekly a piece of this scar gel for treatment and it is expensive.. Please help me. 09165843830
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Do we really need to present prescription before buying medicine in mercury drug. What if its like the usual cough or fever medicines lang like biogesic or neozep. I think its a self medication process na and no need to go to the doctor
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Good Day,
We’re we able to get PWD ID and booklet for my sister we’re are residing at San Pedro, Laguna.
Hope you can help me. Here’s mynumber 09165958485.
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Good day.
I have no problemI buying Protexin Restore for my 3year old son for the past 2 years at MercuryDrug store using his pwd ID. But this morning, shocked to find out that it is no longer included in pwd discount. Yes, this only shows that restrictions are growing and growing! Please do something about it.
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Sir/Madam gud day po sa lahat ng Staff. Ako poy isang PWD member (polio victim) and recently a Employed at our own LGU (CSWDO), Canlaon City, negros Oriental. Mag inquire lng po kc parang kulang ang Purchase Booklet namin. We would like to ask a SOFT COPY OF THE PURCHASE BOOKLET FOR PWD. Kindly send it pls to rennacs18@gmail.com or rennacs18@yahoo.com .
Your immediate response is greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much.
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Good day. My 4 yo son has a PWD ID.I bought a paracetamol & a cough syrup for he has fever & cough. Mercury did not gave us this 20% discount coz i need to secure a doctor’s prescription for just a paracetamol & a cough syrup. so, come to think of it, i even wantd to avail a discount for my son which wud only cost P50. how cud i save money for that if i stll have to pay 300 for the doc’s fee( just to have a doc’s prscrptn)??? just to avail 20% disc of med which would cost 250 pesos only???
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My wife is stage 1V cancer patient. During the last 2 months Mercury would give her a 20% discount on the medicines she buys. Last week however, Mercury decide to stop giving the discount in the guise of this & that & all the reasons.
Question is, what remedies can she avail of to enable Mercury to give the 20% discount which they had been given before?
Thanks!
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magandang umaga po. Ako po si aldrin alcantara. Ako po ay pwd pitong taon na..putol ang dalawang kamay at paa. pero sa loob po ng mahabang panahon wala po akong nahinging tulong mula sa organisasyon na dapat ay makakatulong sa mga katulad ko..samantalang bilyon bilyon ang ninanakaw ra kaban ng bayan ng mga walang awang pulitiko..mayroon po bang maaring makatulong sa akin.
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is it true that NCDA has issued a memo that “Chronic Illness” is not considered a disability anymore?
a branch of Mercury Drug refused the PWD ID card of my sister, saying that NCDA has issued a memo that excludes “Chronic Illness” from the 20% discount privilege
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June 17, 2014, I was purchasing my medicines at Mercury Drug Store at EDSA Monumento when they are questioning my PWD and my rights for a 20% discount. They are questioning “chronic illness particularly RA” from the PWD.
They gave me at that moment my 20% discount but according to them next time it wont be allowed because chronic illness is no longer included.
Please clarify on this matter. Thank you very much.tagedco
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I have read most of the comments here. I was also refused purchase of my meds at Mercury Drug, ATC branch, June 23, 2014 at around 5PM. They hyped up the word CHRONIC ILLNESS in my valid PWD card. I have diabetis that led to CKD and Ischemic Infraction left and Hypertension. I have brought with me all my prescription, PWD ID, and the copy of Republic Act 9442. The funny thing in my experience was that I have purchased meds in the same store several times without any trouble. Now they are telling me, “Sir di po ito pwedeng gamitin.” They even suggested to have my card changed. I am now confused and very disappointed. What should I do NCDA?
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Can NCDA provide a list of type of disabilities so that we will know if we are qualified in this program. Coz I believe that sometimes its all about politics. They give PWD Id’s so that these people from the government will have a good image to them. The moment we will purchase a medicine some drugstore will turn down the transaction telling that illness is different from disability.
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Hi,
I was diagnosed with breast ca stage 0 and under series of medication for 5 years. I’ve been using my PWD ID for more than a year now. Today, I purchased meds from Mercury Drug, M.L. Quezon St. Antipolo City and was informed that I will no longer be able to avail of the discount next time for the reason that the Psychosocial Disability is not indicated in the type of disability instead what is in my ID is “breast ca stage 0”. I was advised to change my ID into a new one as per the new memo for PWD. Please take note that the expiration of my PWD ID will be on 2016 yet I need to change into a new one or I will not be able to avail of the discount. Please clarify and I need your assistance regarding this concern. Thank you.
Regards,
Olive Butial
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My son has a PWD card but MERCURY DRUG did NOT accept the card because according to them, the disease of my son is not a chronic disease.
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Do we need to bring a prescription to get PWD discount for OTC medicines?
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I feel your pain i am a pwd person myself diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder, those of you who have been needlessly harmed and shamed by Mercury drugstore or other drugstore in the country will be vindicated because i already filed a lawsuit against this giant corporation for violation of ra 10754 sec 2, ra 9442 rule 3 5.6 and rule 4 6.1.d, the ncda is toothless lion of an agency , they are so scared of Mercury drug an official there tried to discourage me from filing the lawsuit here in hometown of marikina city, but with the grace of god the city prosecutors office accepted my complaint affidavit and is now in the process of preliminary investigation, please pray that the prosecutor find probable cause to take Mercury drug to court, by the way iam suing ms que azcona president of Mercury drug
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Heir85 Reply:
October 10th, 2016 at 9:55 pm
@Eric manuel villamiel, its sad how these people who are supposed to help people with illnesses and disabilities by selling medication are the number one cause of distress to people with disabilty. I hope and pray that your lawsuit flourishes for the people who cnt fight for themselves. A right is a right. If supermarkets food chains and transportation adhere who are they to refuse. Its sad how greedy these drug corporations and hospitals are with money.
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Hi, i just want to ask if Bipolar Disorder is considered a PWD?
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Noong bumili ako sa mercury ng Vit calcium caltrate pra sa buto kasi my bali ako.noong nagpresent me ng PWD I.D at booklet ay di raw pwd kasi walang resita..anu po ba ang dapat?kaylangan lagi my resita?ung calcium caltrate ay vitamins ko xa kasi pra sa buto ko kasi un ang recommended ng Doctor sa Orthopedic.
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I am here searching for the DOH Guidelines for giving discounts to PWDs. I was confronted with a very rude man with a PWD card, I didn’t mind that he was speaking loudly nor that he was basically waving his ID to our faces. What I am really irate about is that person wanted to get his 20% discount without his purchase book which is required by the DOH Guidelines that he present. He threatened call the NCDA and even said that he didn’t care about store policies because ‘PWD ako'(repeated many times over). Rather than argue with him we just gave him his 1.5php discount on 1 piece of saridon.
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Hi Good Morning,
I was just issued my PWD Card and number recently. I just woul want to make a clarification on the right discount in the purchse of medicine.
I bought a P 947.25 worth of meds at Mercury Drug.
20% was discounted from the VAT EX amount (845.76 x .20 = 169.15)
Is it right that they still imposed 12% VAT on the discounted amount which is 676.61 requiring me to pay 757.80* ?
* – 676.61 x 1.12 = 757.80
Thanks and GOD BLESS!
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Joel F. Musngi Reply:
January 16th, 2017 at 4:35 pm
@Rodrigo R. Guevarra,
hay… up to now this MERCURY DRUGSTORE still imposed the 12% VAT on us PWDs when i ask the manager of a particular store here in pampanga there reason was they were waiting for the IRR of RA 10754 and when the IRR was released another reason was they were waiting for system update i recall when an alike law was enacted for the senior citizen the implementation of the vat exempt was upon the released of the IRR of the expanded senior citizens law but somehow for us PWDs it was so “BAGAL”. i wonder what was the action of the NCDP with regards to this. im hoping that on my next purchased on mercury no VAT will be imposed on my medicines.
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Would like to confirm with you. I have lost my prescription for an eye drop which i needed in preparation for the cataract surgery of my left eye. The assistant of my doctor sent a photo of the prescription to me via viber because his clinic is at Asian Hospital and i currently reside at QC.
Now when Im already going to buy the eye drops (anti infective) i presented the photo of the prescription along with my pwd booklet and id to Mercury Drug kamuning branch, they wont honor it. They said they need the prescription itself even if it was named to me. Iritated, i asked “so kapag prinint kon tong photo pwede na? So di ko mabibili tong eye drops kahit i already need it prior to my cataract surgery?” They said mabibili ko ung eye drops but i cant avail of the pwd discount.
Is this reasnable? And with today’s age of everything difital, dapat laging may dala dalang papel na prescription? Hoping you can shed light on this.
Thanks.
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Mercury Drug has several creative ways of dishonoring the PWD discount. One is by saying that prescriptions expire after 6 months (even if the medicine is for a continuing / life-long condition like hypertension). Perusing the DOH guidelines reveals that no such imposition exists. In fact, the DOH IRR states that even over-the-counter drugs are subject to the discounts but Mercury Drug avers otherwise. I pray the NCDA with the DOH look into these practices because they are further marginalizing PWDs.
It would be appreciated if you reply through my email that you have read this. Thank you very much.
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Good day. I just want to raised my concern regarding Med Express pharmacy located at the ground floor of Cebu Doctors Hospital in cebu city. Last friday I bought a branded medicines Xenical to thier pharmacy but they told me that their will be no stocks at hat moment. However the pharmacy assistant offer me another brand which is Orlyz brand with the generic of Orlistat. I thought it was covered by PWD discounts but it was not when i discovered after 2 days since I bought the medicines Orlyz. So i went this evening to Med Express and raised my concern about the diacounts. However they told me that the medicines I buy were not covered by PWD discou ts because it was not on their systems. Then I ask of they have a Xenical branded meds and they told me that they have a stocks and it was not also covered by PWD discounts. I was confused because 2 hours before I raised my concerned to Med express I buy a Xwnical meds to Rose pharmacy and Rose pharmacy granted my PWD discounts to Xenical meds. My first concern is that why are some pharmacy offer and grant a discounts to a Xenical meds while Med Express did not grant a discou t to this xenical meds. Secondly, is Orlyz covered for a PWD discounts or not? Thirdly, i wonder that the pharmacist on duty hindi humarap sa amin para makipag usap and to make any neccessary solutionto my concern. Please I just want a verification and solutions to myconcern. Thanks
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