The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod City has unanimously approved a resolution urging all pharmacies and drugstores to honor senior citizen discounts upon presentation of any government-issued ID that clearly shows the person is 60 years old or above.
The resolution, which aims to remove unnecessary hurdles for the elderly, confirms that the Senior Citizen Purchase Booklet is no longer a mandatory requirement to avail of the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption on medicines and medical supplies.
The measure was principally authored by City Councilor Caesar Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Celia Flor, Al Espino, Dindo Ramos, and Lady Gles Gonzales-Palen.
The City Council’s action is anchored on national guidelines, specifically Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular No. 2025-005 and Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2024-0017. These issuances expressly removed the purchase booklet from the list of requirements, provided a valid ID and, if applicable, a doctor’s prescription are presented.
Councilor Distrito emphasized the importance of easing the process for the city’s senior residents. “Our senior citizens should not be burdened with unnecessary requirements just to receive a benefit that is already mandated by law,” Distrito said. “This resolution reminds pharmacies and drugstores of their duty and protects our elderly from undue inconvenience and possible denial of their rights.”
In line with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 9994), acceptable forms of identification include official Senior Citizen ID, passport, driver’s license, National ID, and any equivalent government-issued ID clearing indicating the age of 60 and above.
The City Council also serves notice to establishments, warning them of penalties for non-compliance as provided under RA 9994. A first offense may incur a fine of ₱50,000 to ₱100,000 and/or imprisonment of two to six years, with harsher penalties for subsequent violations, including possible revocation of business permits.
