Guidelines on senior citizen booklets updated to comply with national directives - Go

The City Social Welfare and Development Department–Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (CSWD-OSCA) issued the updated guidelines on the use of senior citizen purchase booklets to ensure that the directives from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (DOH) are adhered, Councilor Gilda O. Go said.

According to Go, City Council senior citizens committee chair, this will streamline the implementation of Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.

“These guidelines are meant to protect the rights of our senior citizens while also guiding establishments on the proper application of discounts and exemptions,” Councilor Go remarked, urging both seniors and business owners to be well-informed.

According to CSWD-OSCA, through OSCA Head Capt. Douglas Dabatian, senior citizens are required to present both their senior citizen grocery booklet and valid senior citizen ID to avail of the five percent (5%) special discount for basic necessities and prime commodities.

The booklet will also be used to monitor the weekly purchase limit, which is set at a maximum discount of ₱65 for every ₱1,300 worth of purchases per week.

For the purchase of medicines and medical devices, the presentation of the purchase booklet is no longer required to avail of the twenty percent (20%) discount and VAT exemption.

However, senior citizens must still present a valid Senior Citizen ID or any government-issued ID indicating their age. A doctor’s prescription remains mandatory for medicines that require one, in accordance with the 2024–2025 DOH and FDA directives.

For dining, transportation, and professional services, the purchase booklet is likewise no longer required. Senior citizens may already be eligible for a twenty percent (20%) discount and VAT exemption upon presentation of their Senior Citizen ID.

Councilor Go encouraged senior citizens and establishments to strictly comply with the updated guidelines to avoid confusion and ensure that benefits are properly granted.

For further information and clarification, the public is advised to visit OSCA or coordinate with the National Commission on Senior Citizens. (JAO/SP)