Political controversies in 2024 revealed just how vulnerable essential documents like passports, birth certificates, and even identities could be to forgery—IYKYK. (Mary Grace Piattos, who?) Scams are on the rise, and fake identities are being deployed to deceive and exploit. These fabrications, of course, are illegal under the law.
To address this growing issue, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) is planning to implement a Unified Identification System for people with disabilities (PWD), aiming to stop the "illegal and unscrupulous" misuse of PWD IDs through a real-time centralized database.
Starting January 2025, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will pilot the Unified Identification System, with the testing phase running until June 2025. A full nationwide rollout is anticipated by July 2025.
While the development is still underway, NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova called on the public to report incidents involving the use of "fake" PWD IDs through the agency's email at council@ncda.gov.ph or via its social media channels. "We assure the public, especially the sector of persons with disabilities, that the government is doing everything para maprotektahan ang kanilang pride and privileges," Glenda announced.
"We appeal to the public to report to the NCDA individuals or groups that are facilitating the sale and illegal use of PWD IDs. We bear the burden caused by these people," she emphasized.
What You Need To Know About Unified PWD ID System
Under Republic Act 10754, also known as An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, PWDs are entitled to a 20-percent discount and exemption from value-added tax (VAT) on specific goods and services.
These benefits will remain intact with the implementation of the new Unified Identification System. However, the verification process will become significantly stricter, making it more difficult for fraudulent IDs to take advantage of the privileges.
The new IDs will be available in two formats: physical and digital. To address fake IDs, the physical cards will feature RFID technology, while the digital IDs will be accessible through a mobile app or web portal. Each digital ID will include a QR code for instant verification. This system will confirm the ID holder's eligibility and ensure they are properly registered with the government.
All IDs will be integrated into the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disability, creating a centralized, real-time database to streamline and secure the verification process. This enhanced system aims to safeguard the rights and privileges of PWDs while preventing the misuse of benefits.
According to Relova, the processes—from application, to verification, and approval—will still be under the Local Government Unit's (LGU) respective Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO). Meanwhile, the DSWD will be the central authority in charge of issuing the unified ID.
