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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Unethical, disrespectful': DSWD warns vs faking disabilities to access priority lanes

'Unethical, disrespectful': DSWD warns vs faking disabilities to access priority lanes

Published Mar 13, 2026 02:14 pm
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is urging the public to stop faking disabilities to access benefits and privileges reserved for persons with disabilities (PWDs), calling the act unethical and disrespectful.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said pretending to have a disability undermines the nation’s efforts to create an inclusive society and harms the very people the laws are meant to protect.
“DSWD is deeply concerned about people who pretend to have a disability just to access privileges and benefits meant solely for persons with disabilities. Such actions undermine the reforms we are pushing to provide fair and inclusive opportunities for our fellow citizens with disabilities,” Dumlao said in Filipino in a statement on Friday, March 13.
The warning comes after a viral TikTok post by user @naughty.perry, who allegedly faked a disability to gain priority access at LRT Line 1, drew widespread attention online.
The DSWD expressed support for the National Council on Disability Affairs’ (NCDA) condemnation of the incident.
READ MORE:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/10/ncda-seeks-action-over-viral-video-of-man-faking-disability-to-use-lrt-1-priority-lane
“Priority access in public transportation, such as trains, and public spaces is crucial for members of vulnerable sectors because it provides additional support to keep them safe and comfortable in public areas. Falsely claiming a disability just to gain priority access weakens the purpose of our laws and policies for persons with disabilities. Moreover, any form of pretense is against good morals and the law,” Dumlao said.
Under Republic Act No. 7277, PWDs are guaranteed a barrier-free environment that allows safe and independent mobility in public spaces.
The law also requires public and private establishments to provide reasonable accommodations, including adjustments in facilities, workplaces, services, schedules, assistive technologies, and policies.
“These measures are designed to remove physical and social barriers and ensure that persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights and participate equally in society,” Dumlao said.
“We encourage everyone to follow the rules for strict enforcement of priority access for our fellow citizens in vulnerable sectors,” she added.
The public can report incidents involving abuse, violence, or criminal acts against PWDs to the NCDA.

Related Tags

DSWD NCDA PRIORITY LANE PWD
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