An estimated 8.5 million individuals are reportedly using illegal or counterfeit Persons with Disability (PWD) identification cards in the country, a figure nine times greater than the registered legitimate PWDs, according to a Senate hearing.
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(Picture by Marou Sarne)
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) stated that the proliferation of these fake PWD IDs is not just a criminal act, but also a violation of the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.
The CHR expressed concern over the widespread misuse of counterfeit PWD IDs that provide benefits under Republic Act 7277, also known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, by individuals who are not genuinely disabled.
"These acts undermine the integrity of these privileges and trivialize the legitimate struggles of PWDs," said the CHR.
Although the usage of counterfeit PWD IDs has long been criticized and warned against, business owners report an increase in non-disabled individuals utilizing these IDs to take advantage of discounts.
As a result, certain businesses have implemented policies that inadvertently reduce the benefits for genuine PWDs.
A Senate investigation revealed that fake PWD IDs are being sold online for PHP 500 to PHP 1,500.
In response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced plans to create a unified ID system that will allow businesses to track and verify the authenticity of a customer's PWD ID.
The CHR also praised the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for their investigations into those fraudulently using PWD IDs.
"We commend and support these initiatives. They are crucial in safeguarding the benefits and privileges accorded to persons with disabilities while ensuring that resources are allocated to those who genuinely need them," said the CHR.
