The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has urged authorities to take action after a viral social media video showed a man pretending to have a disability to gain access to a priority lane at the Light Rail Transit Authority’s LRT Line 1.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 10, the NCDA called on the LRTA to investigate the incident and impose appropriate sanctions, saying the act of faking a disability to obtain priority access violates laws meant to protect the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The video circulating online shows the man feigning a limp to enter a priority lane at an LRT-1 station.

The clip quickly spread on social media and drew criticism from netizens and disability advocates.

The NCDA said the incident highlights a broader issue involving the abuse of privileges intended for vulnerable sectors.

“Such actions harm social trust and disrespect those with real needs,” the NCDA said, noting that the individual appeared to deliberately fake a limp to gain faster access through the priority lane.

The NCDA added that the act may have violated provisions under Republic Act (RA) 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, and RA 10754, which expands benefits and privileges granted to PWDs.

According to the council, priority lanes in public transportation and other establishments are essential for individuals who require assistance to move safely and conveniently, particularly those with physical disabilities.

“Faking a disability diminishes the real struggles of those truly affected and misuses resources meant for them,” the NCDA said.

While welcoming the advisory issued by the LRTA regarding the incident, the council said it is also seeking the imposition of appropriate legal penalties against those involved in the video.

The NCDA emphasized that while infrastructure and policies aim to ensure accessibility for all, their effectiveness ultimately depends on public respect, honesty, and empathy toward vulnerable commuters.

“Claiming disability falsely to gain priority access is not simply bending the rules; it is an unethical act that harms vulnerable commuters,” the council said.