Bacolod pharmacies urged to honor senior discount ID-only

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Pharmacies in this city are being urged to grant senior citizens their mandated discount and VAT exemption upon presentation of a valid ID, without requiring the Senior Citizen Purchase Booklet.

Bacolod City Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito said the Sangguniang Panlungsod has unanimously approved a resolution urging all pharmacies and drugstores to honor any government-issued ID showing the age of 60 or above, or an official senior citizen ID, as sufficient proof for the 20% discount and VAT exemption on medicine and medical device purchases.

Distrito’s resolution, co-authored by Councilors Celia Flor, Al Espino, Dindo Ramos, and Lady Gles Gonzales-Palen, is anchored on Food and Drug Administration Circular No. 2025-005 and Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2024-0017.

“These issuances clearly remove the Senior Citizen Purchase Booklet from the list of mandatory requirements, provided a valid ID and, when necessary, a doctor’s prescription are presented,” Distrito said.

“Our senior citizens should not be burdened with unnecessary requirements just to receive a benefit that is already mandated by law,” he added.

Under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 9994), as amended by RA 11916, qualified senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption on medicines, vitamins, and medical supplies for their exclusive use.

Accepted IDs include a senior citizen ID, passport, driver’s license, national ID (PhilSys), or any government-issued ID that clearly shows the individual’s age.

“This resolution reminds pharmacies and drugstores of their duty and protects our elderly from undue inconvenience and possible denial of their rights,” Distrito emphasized.

The resolution also warns of penalties for non-compliance as stipulated under RA 9994 and its amendments.

First-time violators may face fines of PHP 50,000 to PHP 100,000 and/or imprisonment of two to six years, with higher penalties and possible business permit revocation for repeat offenses.

Distrito noted that despite existing laws and updated national guidelines, some pharmacies still require the purchase booklet, causing unnecessary delays and inconvenience to senior citizens.

The Bacolod City Council has called on all pharmacies and drugstores to comply immediately with the law and directives from the FDA and DOH to ensure that seniors receive their lawful discounts without hindrance.