CALAMBA CITY (PIA) — The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) is urging commercial establishments to continue honoring identification cards presented by Persons With Disability (PWD), despite the rise in cases involving fake PWD identification cards.
Lawyer Walter Jason Alava, NCDA regional programs coordinator, called on establishments to accept PWD IDs even in the absence of a verification system. This comes in the wake of reports that a certain establishment in Rizal province has rejected PWD IDs due to the growing prevalence of fake ones.
“The NCDA has released a statement [urging the establishments that] as much as possible, we should honor the IDs upfront especially if the disability is apparent. If it’s non-apparent and we don’t see any problems in the ID, let’s give our services [to them].”
Alava suggested, “Before rejecting the ID, they can ask for additional proof of identification.”
Dr. Mark Anthony Inocencio, information, education and communication division chief of NCDA, emphasized that the spread of fake PWD IDs undermines the access of legitimate PWDs to their rightful benefits and privileges.
“We want to remind those who falsify PWD IDs to stop, let’s give PWDs the rights and privileges due to them. Second, I hope that the restaurants and establishments that have been providing support and discounts continue because this is what every PWD needs. Let’s give them what they are due because this is their right and their privilege.”
The NCDA has been collaborating with local Persons With Disability Affairs Offices (PDAO) to develop a verification mechanism for authenticating PWD ID’s, while also extending other forms of support and assistance.
“We have been discussing with different subcommittees our guidelines. And then we have the NCDA and technical working groups on the guidelines.” (PB-PIA4A)
