MANILA — The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) has reminded its partners from both the public and private sectors to recognize and accept the digital version of the National Senior Citizens ID (NSCID), saying cardholders should be given the discounts, value-added tax (VAT) exemption, and other privileges they are entitled to under the law.
The NCSC also urged them to “strengthen awareness and compliance to prevent inconvenience and discrimination against older Filipinos.”
The digital NSCID is an “official and legitimate” government-issued ID which serves as a “valid and competent proof of identity of older Filipinos,” NCSC chair and chief executive officer Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez said in an advisory.
“We call on all institutions and establishments to accept the digital NSCID in accordance with the law, similar to other government IDs available through the eGovPH App,” she added.
The NCSC reiterated that seniors who present the digital NSCID card are entitled to a 20-percent discount and VAT exemption on covered goods and services, as well as perks in government services, assistance programs and priority accommodations in public and private establishments.
The digital card can also be used in banking and other financial claims or transactions and presented for transactions requiring a senior citizen ID.
More than 1.3 million senior citizens have accessed their digital NSCID through the eGovPH app since it was launched in August 2025 until April this year, the NCSC said.
“By shifting from physical IDs to a secure, app-based solution, the initiative minimizes bureaucratic hurdles, enhances service delivery, and reduces dependency on physical documentation,” it added. (Isabelle Pechay © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
