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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Unified ID system to curb abuse of PWD benefits--Romualdez

Unified ID system to curb abuse of PWD benefits--Romualdez

Published Aug 15, 2025 11:21 pm

At A Glance

  • The government's pilot rollout of the unified identification (ID) system for persons with disabilities (PWDs) will curb the abuse of the rights and benefits for this ,marginalized sector.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez (PPAB)
House Speaker Martin Romualdez (PPAB)


The government’s pilot rollout of the unified identification (ID) system for persons with disabilities (PWDs) will curb the abuse of the rights and benefits for this ,marginalized sector.
Thus, said House Speaker Martin Romualdez as he hailed the rollout of the program on Friday, Aug. 15.
“This unified ID will make life easier for our PWDs by ensuring that services and benefits reach them without delay, confusion, or unfair treatment. At the same time, it is a strong response to the long-standing abuse of fraudulent PWD IDs that hurt businesses and cast doubt on legitimate beneficiaries,” Romualdez said.
“Sa inisyatibong ito ng DSWD at ng National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), matitigil na ang pagnanakaw at pagsasamantala ng ilan sa mga karapatan at benepisyo na nakalaan para sa ating mga kababayang may kapansanan,” noted the Leyte 1st district congressman.
(Through this initiative of the DSWD and the National Council on Disability Affairs, the theft and exploitation by some of the rights and benefits intended for our fellow citizens with disabilities will finally come to an end.)
Earlier, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that the pilot implementation has begun in 35 areas nationwide, starting in San Miguel, Bulacan.
Romualdez—principal author of House Bill (HB) No. 16, which sought to enhance discounts for senior citizens and PWDs — said this move is proof of President Marcos' sincere commitment to protect and uplift those who need government’s help the most.
The unified PWD ID system aims to eliminate fake IDs and restore public trust in the benefits granted under the law. Around 200,000 PWDs are expected to join the pilot rollout, with full implementation benefiting an estimated two million PWDs nationwide.
Apart from Bulacan, the program will also be introduced this week in Pasay City, Muntinlupa City, and Santa Rosa City in Laguna.
The pilot run covers 35 local government units across the country, including areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Rizal, Cavite, Camarines Norte, Aklan, Bohol, Bukidnon, and South Cotabato.
Under the new system, LGUs will process applications, verify eligibility, and approve unified PWD IDs through their Persons with Disability Affairs Offices, while the NCDA will handle centralized ID printing.
The security features include a digital ID accessible via mobile app or web portal, a QR code for instant verification by business establishments, and an RFID-enabled physical card for added protection.
Romualdez had earlier condemned the rampant abuse of fake PWD IDs. He pointed out that while businesses suffer losses, legitimate PWDs face unfair suspicion and are sometimes forced to justify their conditions.
Last June, he joined Tingog Party-list Reps. Andrew Julian Romualdez and Jude Acidre in filing HB No.16, which sought to ensure that promotional discounts from business establishments were granted on top of the existing 20-percent discount and 12-percent VAT exemption for senior citizens and PWDs.
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