Restaurant owners are raising concerns anew over the widespread use of fraudulent Persons with Disabilities (PWD) cards, warning that the abuse of these discounts is financially crippling the industry, particularly small and family-run establishments.
Restaurateur David Sison, founder of Mama Lou’s, Nonna’s, Famu, and Braubass, shared on his Facebook page on February 3 the official statement of the Restaurant Owners of the Philippines. The statement emphasized that while the 20 percent PWD discount was intended to support individuals with legitimate disabilities, its misuse has placed an unsustainable burden on businesses.
"The PWD discount was created to support those who genuinely need it, but widespread abuse of fake PWD cards is now putting a serious strain on restaurants and other businesses. Many people don’t realize that it’s not the government covering the 20% discount—it’s the businesses themselves. Every fraudulent discount comes directly out of a restaurant’s pocket, cutting into already thin margins," the statement read.
"For restaurants, especially small and family-run ones, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a financial hit that can mean the difference between survival and closure. When multiple fake PWD cards are used at a single table, the losses can be devastating. This isn’t just about lost revenue; it affects employees, food quality, and even menu prices for honest customers."
The discussion has sparked calls for potential reforms, with business owners advocating for more efficient verification measures and greater enforcement to ensure the discount reaches those it was originally intended to help.
"We’re asking for fairness. The discount should help those it was meant for, not be a loophole for those looking to save a few pesos at the expense of struggling businesses. If you care about the restaurants you love, help protect them—say no to fake PWD cards," the statement concluded.