By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has passed a resolution urging all pharmacies and drugstores in the city to honor senior citizen discounts using any valid government-issued ID, even without the presentation of a senior citizen purchase booklet.

The measure, authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Celia Flor, Al Espino, Dindo Ramos, and Lady Gles Gonzales-Palen, was unanimously approved by the SP.

It aligns with the Food and Drug Administration Circular No. 2025-005 and the Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2024-0017, which clarified that the booklet is no longer a mandatory requirement.

“This resolution is a reminder that our senior citizens should not be burdened with unnecessary requirements just to receive a benefit already mandated by law,” Distrito said.

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

Under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, as amended by Republic Act 11916, qualified senior citizens are entitled to a 20 percent discount and value-added tax exemption on medicines, vitamins and medical supplies for personal use.

Acceptable proof includes senior citizen IDs, passports, driver’s licenses, national IDs, or other government-issued IDs that clearly indicate age.

Distrito pointed out that despite these clear provisions, some pharmacies still demand the booklet, leading to inconvenience and, in some cases, denial of benefits.

The resolution warns establishments that violations are punishable by fines ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 and/or imprisonment of two to six years, with repeat offenders facing stiffer penalties and possible revocation of permits.

The SP called on all pharmacies and drugstores to comply immediately with national issuances to ensure that Bacolod’s elderly residents enjoy their rightful discounts without undue hindrance./CJ, WDJ