Elderly Filipinos may still avail themselves of government-mandated discounts even without a senior citizen ID.
Rep. Chel Diokno (Akbayan party-list) said seniors can still avail of the 20% discount on services even if they do not have their senior citizen ID with them.
The lawmaker cited the Republic Act 994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, which states that seniors may receive discounted services if they present any government-issued ID that includes their birthdate to prove their age.
These include a passport, driver’s license, National ID, UMID, PhilHealth ID, Postal ID and voter’s ID.
“Kahit isa lang dito, sapat na,” Diokno said in a video posted on his Facebook page.
He added that establishments that refuse to honor a valid ID may be reported to the Department of Trade and Industry or to the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs at the local government level.
The lawmaker said the establishment may face fines, suspension, or closure as a consequence.
Meanwhile, senior citizens, or those aged 60 and above, are entitled to a 20% discount on the following:
- Medical-related privileges (medicine and drug purchases, medical supplies, accessories and equipment, medical and dental services, professional fees of attending physician, professional fees of licensed health workers providing home health care services)
- Transportation (air, sea land: LRT, MRT, PNR, buses, jeepneys, taxi and shuttle services)
- Hotels, restaurants, recreational facilities, places of leisure (theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, leisure and amusement)
- Recreation centers (fees, charges and rental for sports facilities and equipment)
- Funeral services (funeral and burial expenses include casket or urn, embalming, cremation cost, and other services)
Seniors are also entitled to a 5% discount on utilities, free services such as vaccinations and certain medical and dental care, government assistance programs, and other privileges, including access to express lanes.
A full list of their benefits can be accessed through this link.
