The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has approved unanimously a resolution urging all pharmacies in the city to honor any government-issued identification card (ID) that clearly shows the age of 60 years or above, or the official senior citizen ID, as sufficient proof to avail of the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption on the purchase of medicines and medical devices—even in the absence of the Senior Citizen Purchase Booklet.
The resolution, principally authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, and co-authored by councilors Celia Flor, Al Victor Espino, Dindo Ramos, and Lady Gles Gonzales-Palen, is anchored on Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular No. 2025-005 and Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2024-0017.
These issuances expressly remove the Senior Citizen Purchase Booklet from the list of mandatory requirements for the discount and VAT exemption, provided a valid ID and, when applicable, a doctor’s prescription are presented, the proponent-councilors said.
“Our senior citizens should not be burdened with unnecessary requirements just to receive a benefit that is already mandated by law,” Distrito stressed in a press release Sept. 27.
The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, or Republic Act 9994, as amended by RA 11916, entitles all qualified senior citizens to a 20 percent discount and VAT exemption on medicines, vitamins, and medical supplies for their exclusive use.
Acceptable IDs include a senior citizen ID, passport, driver’s license, national ID (PhilSys), or any equivalent government-issued identification clearly indicating age.
“This resolution reminds pharmacies and drugstores of their duty and protects our elderly from undue inconvenience and possible denial of their rights,” Distrito added.
The resolution warns establishments of penalties for non-compliance, as provided under RA 9994 and its amendments. A first offense may incur a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 and/or imprisonment of two to six years, with higher penalties and possible revocation of business permits for subsequent violations.
Distrito noted that despite clear provisions of law and updated national guidelines, some pharmacies reportedly continue to require the Senior Citizen Purchase Booklet, causing delays and inconveniences to the elderly.
The SP called on all drugstores to immediately comply with the law and the latest FDA and DOH directives to ensure that senior citizens receive their rightful discounts and VAT exemption without hindrance. ||
