The Pasig Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) warned the public on Wednesday, July 26, against fake persons with disability (PWD) IDs that are circulating within the city.
According to PDAO, an individual came to their office on Wednesday to request a PWD booklet.
The ID that was presented was verified to be fake. Printed on the ID’s header was “Municipality of Pasig” instead of “City Government of Pasig.” The design also included an alleged signature from Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto at the back of the ID.
Above the space for “type of disability,” the owners’ diagnoses (ie. “diabetes and hypertension,” “encephalitis and hypertension”) were also stated.
Pasig PDAO / MANILA BULLETIN
The said IDs were posted on PDAO’s official social media page as a reminder for citizens to be wary of individuals using or selling fake IDs. The identities and details of the IDs’ owners were blurred and not disclosed since the PDAO acknowledged that they are likely victims of groups that offer forged documents.
PDAO said there are many security features that can determine whether an ID is real or fake. This includes the PWD ID Control Number which differs from the PWD ID number itself. The office can trace the control number to the details of the owner’s application. An investigation will be conducted if the records do not match.
PWD IDs also follow a specific design, size, color, and paper type determined by the city government. Assessing the error of the said ID, Pasig has been established as a city since 1994.
Most importantly, the classification of the disability (ie. visual impairment, chronic illness, psychosocial disability, etc.) should be stated in the PWD ID, not the diagnosis of the owner.
PDAO urged the public to inform the office of any activities relating to the sale of fake PWD IDs in the city. It also asked individuals who own a fake PWD ID, or those who suspect they are victims of these scams, to surrender the fake IDs to their office.
PDAO encouraged residents, especially qualified persons, to avail of their PWD IDs through the proper channels, assuring them of the office’s support in processing their IDs.
Residents may submit their PWD ID applications through walk-ins at the PDAO at the Pasig City Hall, the PWD Help Desks or officers in their barangays, or through their email online (pcpdaoonlineapplication@gmail.com).
Once approved, those who applied through walk-ins and online can get their PWD IDs at the Pasig City Hall. Those who submitted their applications through their PWD Help Desks in their barangays may also get their IDs from the barangay PWD officers.