Bacolod recalls 12,000 PWD IDs

BACOLOD CITY – The city government has ordered the recall of around 12,000 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) identification cards here effective immediately.

BENITEZ (Glazyl Masculino)

In a press briefing on Monday, February 5, Mayor Albee Benitez said that existing PWD IDs have no QR code yet, thus, there is no way for business establishments to validate these, unlike senior citizen IDs, which already have the QR code.

In a memorandum dated February 5, Benitez ordered the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) to recall all existing PWD IDs issued as part of the city’s ongoing program to secure and streamline the processing of PWD IDs.

Benitez noted that this move is essential to ensure data security, complying with updated regulations, addressing other relevant concerns regarding the PWD cards, including the indiscriminate issuance of PWD IDs which has come to his knowledge.

The mayor also directed the office to strictly comply with the provisions of Republic Act 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability (PWD), its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2013-0005-A, and other related regulations in the issuance and replacement of new PWD IDs.

Benitez said that the city is now in the process of issuing new cards to qualified beneficiaries. “We will try to do it within the week,” he added.

He said that PWD IDs will be replaced by PVC cards with QR codes for easy validation. It will also have the same five-year expiration like the previous IDs.

Benitez said the city will put up a 24/7 hotline to enable business establishments to verify the PWD card and the holder.

He said that those who would like to seek a temporary PWD card with QR code can visit the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) as they will be provided a special window for its processing.