By Brian Campued
To combat the proliferation of fake identification cards (IDs) of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to launch a unified ID system to be used for real-time updating and ID verification by business establishments.
In a news release Monday, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao warned against those who engage in the selling and using 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,” Dumlao said.
The use of a unified ID system was among the resolutions agreed upon during a Dec. 11 roundtable discussion with stakeholders which was presided by DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian.
This after restaurant owners sounded the alarm on the rise in sales attributed to PWD customers, which are expected to be from the fraudulent use of PWD IDs.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) also launched a nationwide crackdown against the sale and use of fake PWD IDs, citing over P88 billion in revenue losses in 2023 due to the said tax evasion scheme.
In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said that the fake IDs are not only sold on the streets but also via online marketplaces.
“People who sell and use fake PWD IDs are not only committing tax evasion, they are also disrespecting legitimate and compliant PWDs. The discount given by law to PWDs is for the improvement of their well-being and easing of their financial burden,” Lumagui said.
“It is not some common discount card that is accessible to the general public. Expect the BIR to run after fake PWD ID sellers and users,” he added.
On Dec. 5, 2024, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means conducted a public hearing on Senate Resolution No. 1239 to find solutions to stop the sale of fake IDs and prevent unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of benefits intended only for PWDs.
Under the Republic Act No. 10754, PWDs are entitled to a 20% discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods and services.
PWD IDs are only 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, according to Administrative Order No. 001 of the National Council on Disability Affairs.
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