By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
A total of 841 fake Persons with Disability (PWD) identification cards have been confiscated in Iloilo City since 2023 as the local government enforces stricter security measures to prevent fraud.
Joy Fantilaga, spokesperson for Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, said the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 157, which mandates security enhancements on PWD IDs, has led to the detection of fraudulent cards used to claim illegal discounts.
“As early as last year, we implemented strict measures to protect businesses from abuse while ensuring that only legitimate PWDs receive the benefits intended for them,” she said in a statement on Thursday, Feb. 6.
In 2023, the city government required security labels on all PWD ID cards.
Under the EO, all PWD IDs must have security labels installed within three months, from Nov. 29, 2023, to Feb. 28, 2024.
After this period, all PWD IDs issued without a security label will be considered invalid and will no longer be honored by establishments.
Under the new system, establishments must verify the authenticity of PWD IDs before granting benefits. If an ID is found to be fake, it is immediately confiscated.
PWD IDs have a five-year validity period. If an ID is nearing expiration, a new one will be issued with a security label.
“This measure was put in place precisely to prevent the fraudulent use of PWD privileges, which unfairly burdens businesses already operating on tight margins,” Fantilaga said.
She urged business establishments in the city to strictly honor only PWD cards with the required security label or sticker.
“This directive ensures that discounts rightfully serve those who need them while protecting businesses from financial losses due to fraudulent claims,” she added.
As of now, the city has issued 15,643 legitimate PWD IDs, covering nearly the entire PWD population in Iloilo City.
Businesses are legally obligated to provide a 20% discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption to individuals presenting PWD IDs.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue reported that the national government lost an estimated PHP 88.2 billion in 2023 due to VAT exemptions and discounts given to unqualified individuals.
