According to the Food and Drug Administration, they had released guidelines on the order of the Department of Health as far back as December 2024, stating that seniors should be given a 20% discount, as well as a 12% VAT exemption, even without the presentation of a booklet.
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In line with FDA Circular No. 2025-005 dated September 4, 2025, the discount also applies to medical devices for senior citizens, without the need to present a purchase booklet.
The circular applies to all FDA-licensed establishments selling medications and medical devices, including optical establishments.
Senior citizens or their representatives are now only required to present a senior citizen ID, Philippine passport, or any other government-issued ID where the senior citizen's birthday or age is indicated.
For certain medications, a doctor's prescription is needed, which includes the name, age, gender, and address of the senior citizen, the date, generic name of the medication, dosage form; dosage strength; number of medications; and the name, signature, and address of the doctor, including the professional license number; and S-2 license number, if possible.
Those who fail to comply with this order will be penalized under Section 7 of Republic Act No. 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
The first offense will result in imprisonment from two to six years, and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000.
Subsequent offenses will lead to additional imprisonment from two to six years, and a fine ranging from P100,000 to P200,000.
The business permit, permit to operate, and franchise of the establishment may also be revoked.
Meanwhile, anyone abusing the privilege of senior citizen discounts may face imprisonment of not less than six months, and a fine between P50,000 and P100,000.
Company officials directly involved in violations, such as the president, general manager, or managing partner, can face charges.
If a foreigner violates this, they will be immediately deported out of the country.
The now scrapped booklet requirement was previously distributed by the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs to help pharmacies monitor the medications purchased by senior citizens.
