The number of individuals reportedly using fake Persons with Disability (PWD) Identification Cards (IDs) nationwide has reached an estimated 8.5 million, based on data from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).
Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan said only around 2.8 million PWDs are officially registered, compared with the estimated 8.5 million people using PWD IDs.
Chan said this results in a discrepancy of around six million, raising concerns over irregularities in the documents and information on record.
Under the law, establishments are required to provide the corresponding benefits once a PWD ID is presented, but they may still verify its authenticity afterward.
Those found using fake IDs may face criminal charges, including falsification of a public document and possible estafa through falsification.
Government officials involved in the improper issuance of PWD IDs may also face penalties, including possible liability under Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
