Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) Rep. Eric Yap on Tuesday called for an investigation to look into reports about some individuals obtaining PWD IDs to enjoy privileges such as discounts by faking their impairment.
Yap said that fixers offer a fee of Php1,000 to -Php3,000 in order to get a PWD ID even if that person is completely not disable, reported Inquirer.
The lawmaker said that he even asked 15 individuals to get a fake PWD ID.
“Nagpa-try ako ng 15 na tao… two months ago lang po eh, lahat po nagamit nila” Yap said in a press conference.
“Kung wala tayong gagawing aksyon magkakaroon na rin po ng outbreak ito, nilalako na po eh,” he added
The lawmaker said that these fake PWD IDs put the essence of the law in question and could compromise those with real disability.
Yap explained that having no central agency to process the PWD IDs made it prone to abuse and paved the way for the proliferation of fake beneficiaries.
Republic Act No. 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs says that Filipinos with long term disability may apply for the ID.
The card entitles the bearer to avail 20 percent discount on food and services.
