BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The differently abled persons in Baguio City are thankful to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for standing firm that identification verification is not needed in availing PWD discount.
Dr. Samuel Aquino, Baguio City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) head, expressed the sector’s gratitude to the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the DOJ for acting immediately on the issue whether or not it is legally permissible for establishments or agencies to deny and withhold corresponding discounts or privileges to a PWD solely because the authenticity of the PWD ID card cannot be verified at the time of presentation.
The DOJ, in a five-page legal opinion penned by Undersecretary Raul Vasquez issued on January 27, 2025, stated that denial and withholding of PWD benefits and privileges solely because the authenticity of the PWD ID card cannot be verified at the time of presentation does not comply with existing laws and implementing rules and regulations, particularly the provisions of Republic Act No. 10754 ,” An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges Of Persons With Disability (PWD)”and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
The DOJ issued the legal opinion in response to the request of NCDA OIC Deputy Executive Director Dandy C. Victa seeking clarification on said issue following concerns of some establishments about the authenticity of some PWD IDs
“Denial and withholding of PWD benefits and privileges by reason of unverified PWD ID cards constitutes a violation of the rights of PWDs to avail of the said benefits and privileges,” the legal opinion stated.
The DOJ pointed out that RA 10754 is a social legislation aimed to provide persons with disability the opportunity to participate fully into the mainstream of society by granting them at least 20 percent discount and exemption from the value added tax on the sale of certain goods and services identified under RA. 9442 for the exclusive use, and enjoyment of PWDs.
For proof of entitlement to benefits, presenting the PWD ID issued by the PDAO or the City or Municipal Social Welfare Office where the PWD resides, may suffice.
Aquino appealed to establishment owners to follow the law and respect valid PWD IDs as efforts to address fake IDs is underway. (JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR)
