MANILA, Philippines — The spread of counterfeit persons with disabilities (PWD) IDs “trivializes” the struggle of legitimate holders, according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
The CHR said the use of phony PWD IDs “is a serious violation of the law and an affront to the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.”
Article continues after this advertisement“Fraudulent practices of this nature undermine the integrity of these privileges and trivialize the legitimate struggles and daily challenges faced by persons with disabilities. These benefits are essential to improving their quality of life and fostering inclusivity in society,” it also said in a statement Monday.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO SC gets Bulacan land for judiciary complex NEWSINFO Romina to dump heavy rains over Quezon, Bicol provinces NEWSINFO LTO tells truck owners to explainREAD: Crackdown on fake PWD IDs
CHR’s remarks followed Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian’s revelation during a Senate committee on ways and means hearing that government and private businesses lose P110 billion “in terms of tax leakage” because of fake PWD IDs.
Article continues after this advertisementGatchalian disclosed that 8.5 million counterfeit PWD IDs are in circulation nationwide.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Department of Health, however, said only 1.8 million PWDs are registered in the country and entitled to a 20 percent discount on value-added taxes for certain goods and services.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Senate probe bares ‘amusing’ stories on use of fake PWD cards
acewin slotTo combat the proliferation of bogus PWD IDs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) revealed its development of a unified ID system. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), for its part, said it is conducting a crackdown against fake PWD IDs.
Article continues after this advertisementThe CHR lauded the two initiatives as “they are crucial in safeguarding the benefits and privileges accorded to persons with disabilities while ensuring that resources are allocated to those who genuinely need them.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) shed 0.49 percent, or 36.67 pointsbigjackpot88, to close at 7,400.33.
READ NEXT No budget reenactment talk in Marcos’ meeting with cabin... Phivolcs: Tremors continue in Taal Volcano EDITORS' PICK Kris Aquino determined to be with kids for a longer time From vanishing ‘belens’ to pop-ups of polar bears—the changing face of Christmas in the Philippines Senior citizen medicine discount won’t need purchase booklet – DOH Public interest drives Marcos' decisions, not high ratings – Palace DOH warns vs holiday heart syndrome NBA: Pacers surge in 2nd half to rout Kings for 4th straight win MOST READ Reassignment of Comelec officers under threat up to their discretion BFAR plane tells Chinese Navy: ‘Review your chart!’ Kai Sotto continues stellar play for struggling Koshigaya in B.League From vanishing ‘belens’ to pop-ups of polar bears—the changing face of Christmas in the Philippines Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments