DOJ alarmed over 6 million Filipinos using fake PWD IDs

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There are about six million Filipinos who are using fake PWD (Persons with Disability) IDs and the Department of Justice (DOJ) find the figure alarming, according to the report of Darlene Cay on "Saksi" Thursday.

"That's very alarming, tapos nagagalit tayo bakit daw dishonest ang mga... laging general rule, dishonest ang mga government official. Baka naman tayo bilang lahi, dishonest din," said Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida.

(That's very alarming, then we get angry because they say that government officials are dishonest... as a general rule, government officials are dishonest. Maybe we, as a race, are also dishonest.)

There are only 2.8 million persons with disability, based on the data from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

However, there 8.5 million who have a PWD ID.

Vida said that using a fake PWD ID in every P1,200 bill in a restaurant, the government loses P50 in taxes while the restaurant owner loses P120 in income.

The NCDA is asking the help of the Justice Department.

"Ang nakuha kasi naming sentiment with the letter coming from the NCDA, is that the restaurant owners they feel parang at a loss na. Tapos na ang usapan, hindi na sila makagalaw. This is actually, telling them na "no" hindi pa tapos," said Dennis Arvan Chan, chief state counsel.

(The sentiment we got with the letter coming from the NCDA, is that the restaurant owners they feel like they are at a loss. The conversation is over, they can't move. This is actually, telling them that "no" it's not over yet.)

The new system, in which the PWD ID will be very pliable or can be checked whether it is legitimate or fake, could take three years.

For now, if a restaurant has doubts whether a PWD ID presented by a customer is fake or not they can get the information of the customer and check if they have a record with the LGU.

Chan said the restaurant owner can verify the validity of the ID but this can only be done after the discount has been given.

But the restaurant owner can file a case against the owner of the fake PWD ID for falsification of documents, and estafa.

"This might empower them more to take a more pro-active stand," said Chan.

The doctor and social worker can also be charged for issuing a fake PWD ID.

"Dahil sa panloloko mo, may nabibigatan," said Vida.

(Because of your deceit, someone is being burdened.)

"Ang panawagan ng Secretary of Justice, let's live honest lives. Ito po, manifestation po tayo kung sino po tayo bilang isang lahi," he added.

(The Secretary of Justice's call, let's live honest lives. This is a manifestation of who we are as a race.) — BAP, GMA News