Fake PWD IDs seized in QC

Several identification cards for persons with disabilities (PWD) were seized by authorities after they were discovered to be fake when users tried to renew them at the Persons With Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in Quezon City.

According to Lei Alviz's report on 24 Oras, officials found that the names and serial numbers were not in the PDAO database. 

"Hindi po sila nag-a-admit na nagbayad sila. Hindi po sila nag — kahit 'yung pangalan po nu'ng nag-issue sa kanila, hindi nila sinasabi," PDAO officer-in-charge (OIC) Renato Cada said.

PDAO also acknowledged the lack of security features in the PWD IDs, which allows it to be easily copied.

The PWD IDs entitle their holders to a 20% and VAT exemption in restaurants and medicine purchases, 20% discount in transportation fees, and a 5% discount in basic and prime commodities which will not surpass P1,300.

According to ACT-CIS party-list Representative Eric Yap, the discounts were why the IDs were being abused, adding that the IDs have fixers.

Yap filed House Resolution 454, which urges the appropriate committee to conduct an investigation into the abuse of PWD IDs. It also aims to amend Republic Act 10754, an Act Expanding The Benefits And Privileges Of Persons With Disability.

The cost of the IDs range from P1,000 to P5,000, according to Yap.

"Nagpasubok ako this year na kumuha ng kinse pa po na ID sa iba-ibang lugar, sa Manila at Quezon City. 'Yung sa Quezon City na fixer na nakausap ko po, peke ang PWD number," Yap said.

"Ang PWD card, sila lang po ang nag-print. Pero 'yung sa Manila naman po, tunay po 'yung card, pineke naman po ang sakit," he said.

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) warned of the possible sanctions that may be imposed on those caught using fake IDs or those caught lying about their sickness.

"Liable sila sa falsification of documents at misrepresentation, no? Merong fraud o pandaraya," NCDA OIC Mateo Lee said.

However, the agency also reminded employees not to judge PWD ID holders as there are disabilities which are non-apparent or those not obvious.

They also asked for the help of doctors in preventing the abuse of the IDs.

"Maging mahigpit po sana 'yung mga doktor sa pag-i-issue ng mga certificate on disability para ma-ensure naman na ang card, ang disability card, ay para sa mga may kapansanan," Cada said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB/KG, GMA News