DSWD warns vs persons faking disabilities to enjoy priority access

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday warned individuals who are faking disability to gain access to certain privileges for persons with disabilities (PWDs), saying this is a violation of the law.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao issued the warning in support of the statement by its attached agency, the National Council on Disability Affairs, in calling out and condemning a TikTok user who posed as having disability to access the priority lane in LRT Line 1.

Dumlao pointed out that the move by the user was “not only unethical but also disrespectful to persons with disabilities.”

Such action is also “harmful” to the efforts exhausted by the government in achieving an “inclusive society.”

Dumlao said the DSWD was alarmed by the viral TikTok post and reminded the public that the priority access in public transportation modes like trains should be for PWDs and other vulnerable sectors to ensure their safety and convenience.

“Pretending to have a disability to gain priority access will only weaken the intentions of our laws and other policies intended for persons with disability,” Dumlao said in a statement in Filipino.

READ: DSWD: Honor privileges of PWDs even with non-visible disabilities

She cited Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which extends safe and “barrier-free environment” to PWDs, allowing them to move safely and independently in public spaces.

READ: Fixed P2,000 monthly allowance for all PWDs pushed

The law also mandates all public and private establishments to provide “reasonable accommodations” and adjustments in their facilities, workplaces, services, schedules, assistive technologies, and policies.

Dumlao urged the public to follow the law and policies implementing the priority access to PWDs and other vulnerable sectors. /cb