HOUSE SPEAKER WELCOMES FDA’S COMPLIANCE WITH PBBM DIRECTIVE ON EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — House Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the implementation of RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

FDA recently issued a statement reminding establishments to follow Administrative Order No. 2012-0007 Part VI Section 3.1.

It stated that the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption can be used on generic and branded drugs, including Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccines.

The said discount also covers the vitamins and minerals supplements prescribed by the doctor to prevent and cure patients’ illnesses.

“Many of our seniors and PWDs need to regularly purchase supplements or vitamins to maintain their health and strengthen their resistance to diseases, so it’s only fitting to include these in the discounted items as well,” Romualdez said.

Earlier, Romualdez ordered the conduct of an investigation to see if establishments comply with giving discounts to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors.

(el Amigo/MNM)