Doctor’s prescription for over-the-counter drugs and medicines as provided for under Administrative Order No. 177, s. 2004 is a limitation which was not provided for by RA 9257, thereby nullifies the right accorded by the legislature to the Senior citizens.

To fully implement the provisions of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003, the following provisions of Administrative Order No. 177, s. 2004 is hereby deleted from the existing issuance:

Chapter V, No. 4, B, 1.2 “To safeguard the health of senior citizens and to prevent abuse of the RA 9257, a doctor’s prescription is required in the purchase of the over the counter medicines”.

All other provisions of Administrative Order No. 177, s. 2004 still stands in effect. All other issuances not consistent with this provision is hereby amended accordingly.

Adopted: 12 Jan. 2010

(SGD.) MARIO C. VILLAVERDE, MD, MPH, MPM, CESO I
Officer-In-Charge