PEOPLE using fake persons with disabilities (PWD) identification cards (IDs) could face criminal charges, while officials who improperly issue them and doctors who falsify supporting documents may also be held liable, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said on Thursday.
The DoJ said the National Council on Disability Affairs reported about 8.5 million people using PWD IDs despite only around 2.8 million registered PWDs, creating a discrepancy of roughly 6 million IDs and potentially significant losses for businesses and government. Earlier Senate estimates also put fake PWD ID use at 8.5 million.
Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan said establishments must grant the discount once a PWD ID is presented and cannot require prior verification.
“You have to extend the benefit already upon presentation of the ID,” Mr. Chan told a news briefing.
Businesses may subsequently verify the card with the issuing local government unit, the DoJ said. If proven fake, users could face charges for falsification of a public document or estafa through falsification.
Officials who improperly issue IDs could face sanctions under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, while doctors who issue falsified medical certificates could also be prosecuted.
Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida urged users of fake IDs to stop. “Let’s start living honestly. Let’s have integrity in our lives,” Mr. Vida said.
The DoJ said its legal opinion on the issue will be issued soon. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking