At least 15,643 Persons with Disability Identification (PWD ID) cards in Iloilo City bear security stickers, while over 17,000 PWD ID cards in Bacolod City have Quick Response (QR) code to vouch legitimacy.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Iloilo City has started putting security label or sticker on PWD ID cards to avert further proliferation of bogus IDs.  

Restaurant owners have raised their complaints against persons using counterfeit PWD IDs.

At least 841 fake PWD ID cards were confiscated since 2023 in Iloilo City,

“Ang EO [executive order] ni Mayor [Jerry Treñas] effective March 1 of last year [2024], ipinag-uutos sa establishments na huwag i-honor ang mga PWD card issued by Iloilo City Government kung walang security label,” Joy Fantilaga, spokesperson of the Iloilo City Government, said.

Glen Gentozala, restaurant owner, said he has to double check the IDs first because the proliferation of fake cards has already affected his business.

“Tsini-check talaga namin ang DOH sa PWD. DOH kung verified siya o hindi,” Gentozala said.

In applying for a PWD ID card in Iloilo City at the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, a medical certificate is required indicating the nature of disability.

Persons with visual impairment also avail of the PWD ID card provided the application comes with a recommendation from an ophthalmologist.

Jo Ann Billena, a cardholder, has no physical disability but since she was diagnosed with cancer, she was issued a PWD card. She said she is sad that many persons who are not deserving of the privileges are taking advantage of the cards supposedly for the benefit of the differently abled.

“Marami ang nagpapangggap na PWD para mabigyan sila at mga kakilala nila,” Billena said.

Meanwhile, over 17,000 PWD CARDS with QR code have been issued by the Bacolod City LGU.

The cards with QR codes can be scanned to determine legitimacy.

Despite the system though, many businessmen in the city continue to complain against persons using counterfeit PWD IDs who take advantage of the 20-percent discount on certain products and food items.

Most of the IDs were issued allegedly in other LGUs outside of Bacolod City.

“Walang verification kasi ang kanilang ID ay normal ID. Fair lang sana sa lahat ng bagay. Kung normal kang tao, dapat fair ka sa lahat, hindi ka dapat magsinungaling,” Kim, a cashier, said.

A waiter named “Vincent” shared in the sentiment that restaurants suffer tremendously from the modus.

“Sana huwag magpasa ng pekeng PWD at senior (ID) kasi talo kami. Malaki ang discount,” Vincent said.

The complaints from restaurant owners have already reached the Bacolod City Government.

“Maraming business sector ang nagrereklamo kasi sila rin ang nagsa-subsidize niyan. Our business sector has no way of validating especially hindi makikita ang mga deficiency,” said Dr. Lucille Gelvolea, Bacolod City administrator.

The Bacolod City LGU vowed they will discuss the concern with sectoral groups to strengthen measures against further proliferation of fake PWD ID cards. 

(with Adrian Prietos/GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas)