The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has intensified its efforts to combat the proliferation of fake identification cards (IDs) for persons with disabilities (PWDs) by introducing a unified ID system.
This system, which will employ a web-based portal, aims to provide real-time updating and verification for business establishments.
The plan was one of the key resolutions from a roundtable discussion with stakeholders, led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, at the DSWD’s Central Office in Quezon City on December 11.
While the system is being developed, Gatchalian urged the public to report any incidents involving the sale of fake PWD IDs to the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), an attached agency of the DSWD, via council@ncda.gov.ph, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), or any law enforcement agency.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has also initiated a national crackdown on the sale and use of fake PWD IDs, as revenue losses from this type of tax evasion scheme have already reached over PHP88 billion.
Under the law, PWDs are entitled to a 20 percent discount and an exemption from value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods and services.
However, unscrupulous individuals have exploited this system by selling fake PWD IDs to those fraudulently seeking to claim these benefits.
These fake IDs are not only sold on the streets but also through online marketplaces, making them easily accessible, according to the BIR.
On Monday, the DSWD issued a stern warning against those who continue to engage in the illegal issuance, selling, and use of fake PWD IDs.
“We are urging the public to report individuals involved in the issuance and sale of fake persons with disabilities ID cards, which aim to fraudulently access benefits and privileges intended for persons with disabilities. Falsifying public documents and using fake documents are criminal offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code,” said DSWD spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.
Under the NCDA’s Administrative Order No. 001, Series of 2008, PWD IDs are exclusively issued to individuals with permanent disabilities caused by one or more of the following conditions: speech impairment, learning disability, intellectual disability, mental disability, visual disability, psychosocial disability, physical disability, deaf and hard-of-hearing, cancer, and rare diseases.
The order also includes individuals with disabling diseases that greatly limit their ability to perform daily activities.
PWD IDs are issued exclusively by the PDAO of every city and municipality nationwide.
Appropriate documentation confirming the medical or disability condition of a person applying for a PWD ID is required.
The documents for ID issuance may include an apparent disability medical certificate issued by a licensed private or government physician, a school assessment issued by a licensed teacher and duly signed by the school principal, or a certificate of disability issued by the head of a business establishment or non-government organization (NGO).
For those with non-apparent disabilities, a non-apparent disability certificate from a licensed private or government physician is necessary.
The DSWD’s move to create a unified ID system is a major step towards protecting the benefits and privileges intended for PWDs.
By leveraging technology, the government aims to safeguard the rights of genuine PWDs and prevent revenue losses due to fraudulent activities.
The public’s cooperation in reporting fake PWD IDs is important in this fight against fraud and in upholding the integrity of the PWD identification system.