Iloilo city: The Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) is currently deliberating on a proposed ordinance that would require establishments to accept any government-issued identification containing a date of birth as proof for senior citizens to access privileges and benefits.

According to Philippines News Agency, Councilor Lyndon Acap highlighted during a regular council session that feedback had been received indicating some establishments only accept identification cards issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). He emphasized that since 1992, it has been mandated that any government-issued ID, as long as it displays the date of birth, should be accepted to verify age for senior citizen privileges.

Councilor Acap referred to Republic Act (RA) 7432, known as the Senior Citizens Act, which grants a 20 percent discount on certain goods and services like transportation, medicines, and restaurants, as well as access to free medical and dental services in government facilities. This act was further amended by RA 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, to include a monthly social pension for indigent senior citizens and enrollment with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

In 2003, the city council passed Resolution No. 181, which strongly urged businesses to comply with RA 9994 and accept any government-issued ID with a date of birth as proof of senior citizen status. However, Acap noted ongoing complaints from senior citizens regarding establishments that only recognize OSCA-issued IDs, denying other forms of government-issued identification.

If the ordinance is enacted, establishments that violate the rule will face a fine of PHP5,000 for the first offense. A second offense will lead to a PHP5,000 fine and a 90-day suspension of the business permit, while a third offense will result in a fine of PHP5,000 and the cancellation of the business permit.

The ordinance, which has passed its first reading, is currently being reviewed by the Committees on Senior Citizens and Trade. Acap expressed hope that it would be approved on final reading by next month, coinciding with the Elderly Filipino Week.

In the same session, the council also approved a resolution designating July 17 to 23 each year as Persons with Disability Week in Iloilo City.