Establishments reminded to recognize senior citizen IDs

National

MORE than 1.3 million senior citizens have accessed the digital National Senior Citizens ID (NCSID) through the eGovPH app.

With this, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) urged establishments and government offices to recognize the digital ID as valid proof of identity in all transactions.

The NCSC called on establishments and offices to recognize and accept the digital NCSID in all transactions, saying senior citizens presenting their digital IDs should continue receiving discounts, value-added tax exemptions, and other privileges granted under the law.

“The digital National Senior Citizens ID is an official and legitimate government-issued identification designed to make services more accessible and convenient for our senior citizens,” said NCSC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez in a Philstar report.

Under NCSC Public Advisory No. 1, Series of 2026, the digital ID may be used to avail of the 20% discount and VAT exemption on medicines, food, transportation, and other covered goods, as well as for government assistance, banking, and other transactions requiring a senior citizen ID, according to the NCSC.

According to the NCSC, the shift from physical IDs to a secure, app-based solution aims to minimize bureaucratic hurdles, enhance service delivery, and reduce dependency on physical documentation.

Gutierrez added that wider recognition of the digital ID would help prevent inconvenience and discrimination against older Filipinos claiming benefits and privileges.

The digital NCSID was launched by the NCSC and the Department of Information and Communications Technology in August 2025 as part of the government’s push for a secure, app-based system for senior citizen services and benefits.(Althea Alexis M. Dimasuhid, CNU-Main Campus BA Comm Intern)