DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao stated that this will be a response to the proliferation of fake PWD IDs.
(Photo by Vera Victoria)
The unified PWD ID is currently being implemented in some areas to determine its effectiveness in stopping the spread of fake PWD IDs. It includes security features such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) which will link establishments to a webpage portal where the legitimacy of the PWD ID holder can be verified.
The current PWD IDs are card-based and their appearance depends on the local government that issues them. Under the unified PWD ID system, the design will be standardized, according to Dumlao.
The DSWD is also collaborating with the National Privacy Commission to ensure the data security of PWDs.
DSWD is also coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Philippine Statistics Authority to ensure the smooth issuance of the new unified PWD IDs.
This initiative follows the discovery of the spread of fake PWD IDs when several business owners, particularly the Restaurant Owners of the Philippines (RESTO PH), complained about widespread abuse of fake PWD IDs to obtain discounts at dining establishments and other businesses.
Arrests have already been made in Manila where fake PWD IDs being printed and issued in Quezon City, Manila, Pasig, Muntinlupa, and Angat, Bulacan were found.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian stated in the Senate last December that the government lost PHP 88.2 billion worth of taxes in 2023 due to the fake PWD IDs.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) also stated that selling and using fake PWD IDs is a violation of the law as it is a form of tax evasion.
Under Republic Act 10754, PWDs are granted a 20% discount and are exempt from value added tax (VAT) on some products and services from all establishments.
