Senior citizens in the Philippines can now access medicine discounts without presenting a booklet, thanks to a new directive issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In FDA Circular No. 2025-005, released on September 4, the agency clarified the implementing guidelines of the Department of Health’s Administrative Order No. 2024-0017. The updated rules mandate all FDA-licensed establishments—including pharmacies, boticas, drugstores, and medical device retailers—to grant the mandated 20% discount and 12% VAT exemption to Filipinos aged 60 and above even without the previously required senior citizen booklet.
Instead, elderly customers or their authorized representatives may present a valid senior citizen ID, passport, or any government-issued ID showing their date of birth such as a driver’s license, voter’s ID, PRC card, SSS/GSIS ID, or Postal ID. However, when purchasing certain medications, a doctor’s prescription is still required. It must include details such as the senior’s name, age, address, and the prescribing physician’s credentials.
The FDA emphasized it will carry out regular inspections to ensure compliance. Establishments found violating the guidelines could face penalties under Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
First-time violators face imprisonment of two to six years and fines ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱100,000. Repeat offenses could result in heftier fines, imprisonment, and even revocation of permits and franchises. Foreign violators will be deported after serving their sentence, while company executives such as general managers or managing partners will be held directly liable.
