The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a strong call to the public to report any instances of illegal use and sale of counterfeit persons with disabilities (PWD) identification cards. This appeal comes in response to the growing concern over the misuse of these IDs, which negatively impacts honest businesses, particularly in the food sector, and undermines efforts to foster an inclusive society for all vulnerable groups.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD highlighted the detrimental effects of fake PWD IDs, stating that they not only harm businesses but also deprive genuine PWDs of the discounts and privileges they are entitled to under Republic Act 10754. This law aims to enhance the benefits and privileges for PWDs, helping them overcome societal barriers and lead more productive lives.
Dumlao stressed the importance of reporting such fraudulent activities to the National Council on Disability Affairs, an agency under the DSWD, via email at [email protected] or through their social media platforms. Additionally, reports can be made to the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) at local government units or to any law enforcement agency.
The DSWD is committed to ending the circulation of fake PWD IDs to protect the rights and welfare of the disability community and to prevent further harm to struggling businesses and their customers. In a related development, the DSWD has announced the pilot implementation of a unified identification card system for PWDs this year. This new system will feature a standardized design and a digital version to thwart attempts by unscrupulous individuals to exploit the discounts and privileges meant for PWDs.