DILG urges LGUs to be strict in issuing PWD IDs

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday urged local government units to be stricter in issuing identification cards for persons with disabilities following reports that unscrupulous individuals are availing privileges and benefits intended for PWDs.

"Maganda ang intensyon ng batas pero mayroong mga taong gustong abusuhin ang pribilehiyong ibinibigay sa mga tunay na PWDs. LGUs should, therefore, be wary of such individuals who want to secure a PWD ID even if they are not entitled to PWD privileges,” Año said in a press statement.

The DILG chief noted that PWD IDs should only be issued to people who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment "which may hinder their full, effective, and equal participation in society pursuant to the United Nations Convention."

Under Republic Act No. 10754, PWDs are entitled to 20% discounts, exemption to value-added tax (VAT), 5% discount on basic necessities and prime commodities, and free use of express lanes in commercial and government transactions.

Año further said the agency supports the Congress if lawmakers wish to review the law and its implementing rules and regulations.

“Hindi dapat magpatuloy ang ganitong pamemeke at pang-aabuso sa paggamit ng PWD IDs dahil baka mabangkarote pa ang mga business establishment lalo na ngayong panahon ng COVID-19,” he said.

Earlier, two lawmakers called for a review of the implementation of the PWD law and its IRR due to reports that fake PWDs were able to enjoy discounts in restaurants and other privileges even without physical impairments.

Ang Probinsyano party-list Representative Ronnie Ong said the law has "very little safeguard" against people who pretends to be PWDs while ACT-CIS party-list Representative Eric Yap suggested putting up a centralized system to store PWD information and data so verification would be easier.

Meanwhile, Año called on business establishments to report instances on the use of fake PWD IDs to the police and issuing LGU for proper action.

“Kung walang magre-report, hindi natin mapipigilan ang ganitong panggugulang. We, therefore, urge business establishments to come forward if they encounter PWD impersonators with IDs so that authorities can act accordingly,” he said.—AOL, GMA News