Stop abusing PWD discounts – DSWD
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) yesterday warned holders of fake PWD (person with disability) identification cards to stop using and abusing the benefits meant for people with special needs.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized the importance of PWD IDs for the differently abled, adding that the misuse of such cards “unjustly deprives rightful beneficiaries of access to their entitled privileges.”
Under Republic Act 10754, the Act Expanding Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disabilities, PWDs are granted discounts through these IDs to help them access opportunities that enable them to live more productive lives.
“We cannot deny the fact that PWDs face societal barriers every day. By misusing the IDs to take advantage of the discounts and privileges intended for them, unscrupulous people are taking away the services and support that they need, leading to more harm to the members of the vulnerable sector,” Dumlao said.
She said the misuse of PWD IDs “undermines the progress that we have made toward creating an inclusive society for all vulnerable sectors.”
The DSWD also said the proliferation of fake PWD IDs is crippling small restaurants and businesses.
To address the issue, the agency had announced the implementation of a unified ID system for PWDs from January to June this year.
The unified ID system will have a standardized design and a digital counterpart to prevent unscrupulous people from using fake PWD ID cards.
The public may report incidents of fake PWD ID sales to the National Council on Disability Affairs at [email protected] or through their official social media pages.