Some business owners in Dagupan City are stepping up measures against the use of fake Persons with Disabilities (PWD) identification cards to claim discounts.

At a small eatery in Barangay Lasip Chico, a clear sign reads: “No to fake PWD cards.” The owner said it’s there to protect the rights of real PWDs.

Rodolfo Masallo, the restaurant manager, said he already caught someone presenting a suspicious ID.

“Nakita ko ‘yung picture sa likod, walang nakalagay, blangko. Sabi ko, imposibleng mag-iisyu ang LGU ng walang data sa likod. Kung walang data sa likod, paano mo nakuha ‘yung ID?” he said.

Masallo said having a unified PWD ID system could help stop fake cards from spreading.

During the city’s recent flag-raising ceremony, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) asked local leaders to support stricter rules protecting PWD rights.

“Mahinto rin po ang isa sa tina-target namin na paglaganap ng fake IDs kung saan ‘yung mga hindi totoong PWD ay sila ang nakakakuha ng benepisyo,” CSWDO officer-in-charge Irene Ferrer said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1 is now working with local governments to address the issue.

The agency said all valid PWD cards, though they may differ in design, must show complete details: name, place of origin, ID number, and the person’s disability.

“We coordinate with them (LGU), reminding them na palakasin ‘yung ating pagtingin, pag-monitor sa mga ganito na insidente,” DSWD-FO1 Regional Information Officer Kristine Sheila Tabin Amoroso said.