In a recent statement, Camarines Sur Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. emphasized that establishments are legally obligated to provide persons with disabilities (PWDs) with their mandated discounts, even if the authenticity of their PWD identification cards cannot be immediately confirmed. This stance was supported by a Department of Justice (DOJ) legal opinion, which clarified that denying PWD benefits due to unverified IDs infringes on the rights of PWDs as per Republic Act No. 10754.
Villafuerte highlighted that the DOJ’s January opinion explicitly states that establishments must not withhold the 20% discount and 12% VAT exemption from PWDs simply because the validity of their ID cards is in question at the time of presentation. DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez reinforced this by stating that verification of a PWD ID card is not a prerequisite for PWDs to access their benefits.
According to RA 10754, PWDs are required to present only a valid ID issued by recognized authorities such as local government units, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, or the National Council on Disability Affairs to claim their benefits. The DOJ’s opinion was issued in response to concerns raised by the NCDA about businesses questioning the authenticity of PWD IDs.
Despite the Department of Health’s PWD Registry being incomplete, Vasquez stressed that the absence of a comprehensive verification system should not be a reason to deny PWDs their rights. He warned that such denials would undermine the law’s purpose.
Villafuerte also reminded businesses of a previous DOJ opinion from October 2024, which clarified that PWD discounts apply to the total cost of meals, whether for dine-in or takeout, and are valid regardless of the order’s size, as long as the food is for the PWD’s exclusive consumption.
In addition to advocating for PWD rights, Villafuerte has introduced House Bill No. 8223, which aims to establish a Disability Support Allowance Program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development. This program would provide a monthly allowance of PHP2,000 to assist PWDs with the increasing cost of living and facilitate their societal integration.