The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has voiced alarm over the proliferation of fake identification cards for persons with disabilities (PWDs), calling the practice a grave violation of law and human dignity.
Under Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, as amended by Republic Act No. 10754, legitimate PWDs are entitled to a 20 percent discount and exemption from value-added tax (VAT) on essential goods and services. These benefits aim to alleviate challenges faced by PWDs and foster inclusivity.
The CHR condemned fraudulent use of fake PWD IDs, emphasizing that such actions trivialize the legitimate struggles of PWDs and undermine the integrity of the system. The agency described the practice as a direct affront to the rights and dignity of PWDs.
“These benefits are essential to improving their quality of life and fostering inclusivity in society,” the CHR said in a statement.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has taken measures to address the issue through the development of a unified ID system. This system promises real-time verification to ensure that benefits reach only qualified individuals.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has also launched a nationwide crackdown on the sale and use of counterfeit PWD IDs. This effort aims to prevent revenue losses and protect public services from abuse by fraudulent schemes.
The CHR commended these initiatives as essential steps in safeguarding the benefits and privileges accorded to PWDs. It also urged businesses, organizations, and the public to actively report fraudulent activities.
Reports of fake PWD IDs can be submitted to the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) via council@ncda.gov.ph, local Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAO), or law enforcement agencies.
As the national human rights institution, the CHR reiterated its commitment to protecting PWDs from exploitation and discrimination.
“Fraudulent practices of this nature undermine the integrity of these privileges,” the CHR said. “We call on all sectors of society to actively combat these schemes and uphold the rights of persons with disabilities.”
