PWD identification card for sale? Solon wants probe

MANILA, Philippines — A party-list lawmaker is calling for an investigation into the implementation of the expanded law on persons with disability (PWDs).

Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) Rep. Eric Yap filed Tuesday House Resolution No. 454 to look into the scheme after he received reports that unscrupulous individuals were able to obtain PWD identification cards and enjoy privileges such as discounts by faking their impairment.

He said fixers offer a fee of around P1,000 to P3,000 to process a person’s PWD ID even if he or she does not have a disability.

To prove the scheme, Yap said he even asked 15 persons to fake their disability and get PWD IDs from fixers.

“Nagpa-try ako ng 15 na tao… two months ago lang po eh, lahat po nagamit nila (I asked 15 persons to try faking their disability and get an ID two months ago, they were able to use their IDs in establishments),” he said in a press conference.

“Kung wala tayong gagawing aksyon… magkakaroon na rin po ng outbreak ito, nilalako na po eh (If we won’t act on this now, this would eventually become an outbreak because this is being offered anywhere),” the lawmaker added.

In his resolution, Yap said these cases of abuse “challenge the essence of the law which aims to ensure that only those with legitimate disability are granted with benefits they truly deserve.”

The congressman also blamed the decentralized issuance of PWD IDs for the spread of fake beneficiaries.

Under Republic Act No. 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs, any Filipino with “long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment” may apply for a PWD ID at the local PWD Affairs Office, social welfare and development office, health office, office of the mayor or office of the barangay captain by submitting a certificate confirming his or her disability.

Those who have PWD IDs may avail of a 20 percent discount and value-added tax exemption on select establishments, fare, medical and dental services, and medicines, among others. /kga