DILG calls for stricter guidelines in issuing PWD cards
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Thursday ordered local government units to implement stricter guidelines for the issuance of persons with disability (PWD) identification cards following reports of some unqualified individuals being able to obtain such IDs.
“The law has good intentions but there are some people abusing the privileges which should be given to real 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,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.
On Wednesday, the Quezon City government temporarily stopped processing PWD IDs to revise its guidelines on its issuance of the IDs after receiving reports that a family of six members managed to each obtain a PWD card, even though they were not qualified.
Año also encouraged businesses and other establishments to report persons using fake PWD cards to the police and local government units.
“Kung walang mag-re-report, hindi natin mapipigilan ang ganitong panggugulang. (If no one will report, we won’t be able to stop this abuse). We, therefore, urge business establishments to come forward if they encounter PWD impersonators with IDs so that authorities can act accordingly,” Año said.
Under the Republic Act No. 10754, PWDs are entitled to 20 percent discounts, an exemption to value-added tax, five percent discount for basic needs and commodities, and use of express lanes in commercial and government transactions.
