No more fake IDs: Unified PWD ID system seen to stop abuse of benefits

MANILA — The National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) has rolled out a unified identification system for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to curb ID misuse and ensure legitimate cardholders continue receiving their benefits.

The Unified Persons with Disabilities Identification System (UPWDIS) requires PWDs to re-register through their respective Persons with Disabilities Affairs Offices (PDAO) in local government units (LGUs).

The initiative comes amid concerns over individuals fraudulently using PWD IDs, which has fueled skepticism among establishments toward legitimate cardholders, particularly those with non-apparent disabilities.

Clarence Cruz, who is on the autism spectrum, said he has been questioned by security personnel while using public transportation.

“Nung sa MRT at LRT, yung mga guard dun at first parang ayaw pang maniwala na isa akong PWD kaya I had to show my ID at yung card na puti para lang maniwala sila na ako’y isang PWD,” Cruz said.

(When I was at the MRT and LRT, the guards didn’t seem to believe I’m a PWD. I had to show them my PWD ID and another white card just to prove it.)

The NCDA estimates that improper use of PWD IDs results in P88.2 billion in lost government revenue, including losses from the 12% value-added tax exemption.

Executive Director Glenda Relova said these funds could instead support social protection programs, including rehabilitation centers, scholarships for occupational and speech therapy students, and assistive devices.

Under existing laws, qualified PWDs are entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption on certain goods and services, including medicines, transportation, and food, subject to applicable rules.

The 1PWD Partylist emphasized that these privileges help cover essential and recurring expenses associated with disabilities.

“Hindi para makadiscount lang o yumaman. Binibigay sa amin yung 20% discount na yun kasi meron pa kaming ibang pangangailangan na hindi ginagawa ng normal na tao. Yun lang yung only leeway namin para makapagpatherapy makabili ng maintenance medicines kasi lifetime po yun eh,” a representative said.

(This is not just for discounts. The 20% discount can be used for our needs that normal people don’t spend on. That’s our leeway for therapy and buy maintenance medicines.)

Under the UPWDIS, PWDs must register through their respective LGU’s PDAO to be included in the Philippine Registry of Persons with Disabilities.

The registration process also distinguishes between people with apparent and non-apparent disabilities.

Those with visible disabilities no longer need to present a disability certificate. However, individuals with non-apparent disabilities must submit a disability certificate to support their application.

Relova said the NCDA can verify submitted disability certificates with medical professionals to establish their authenticity.

The new system also introduces safeguards to identify individuals involved in falsifying PWD IDs.

Only two to three LGU personnel are given access to the system. It also records the identities of the individuals responsible for encoding, approving, and printing each identification card.

This allows the NCDA to trace the people involved should irregularities or falsification occur. Those found responsible may face administrative and legal sanctions, Relova said.

The unified PWD ID resembles the Philippine national ID with the front displaying the cardholder’s photograph and essential personal information. The back, meanwhile, contains a unique QR code and the PWD’s emergency contact details.

According to the NCDA, more than 190,000 individuals have registered under the unified system, while over 128,000 have already been issued new identification cards as of the latest figures provided.

The agency aims to register the remaining 2.7 million PWDs into the system by 2027 and issue their IDs within the next three years.

By 2030, existing PWD identification cards are expected to be phased out and replaced by the Unified PWD ID.