More than P88 billion in taxes are reportedly being lost by the government because of the growing use of fake PWD IDs.
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means hearing uncovered that fake PWD IDs are being sold on social media for prices ranging from P500 to P1,500.
According to data presented by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, there are over 1.8 million legitimate Filipinos with disabilities (PWD) in the country, compared to more than 8.5 million who have obtained PWD cards.
Moreover, based on the committee's calculations, legitimate PWDs received a total of P43.3 billion in discounts in 2023, while holders of fake PWD cards benefited from P166.1 billion in discounts.
Gatchalian emphasized that this is not just an issue of fake IDs, but a problem that is now affecting the country's economy.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Special on Saturday, Gatchalian said it is no longer unusual for every family to have a member with a PWD ID card.
"Sa testament noong isang resource person natin na galing sa isang restaurant association, sabi n'ya dati ang benta lang nila sa PWD is between 3 to 5 percent, ngayon lumalampas na ng 25 percent," Gatchalian stated.
"So ibig sabihin sa bawat apat na benta mo, isa ay PWD. Sabi nga nila 'yung mga anecdotal presentation, hindi na raw ngayon kakaiba 'yung isang pamilya lahat may PWD ultimo pati kasambahay," he added.
Gatchalian also expressed concern over the increasing number of individuals with PWD IDs. He recommended a revision to the law regarding the issuance of PWD cards, suggesting that anyone caught obtaining a fake ID should be penalized.
Under the current law, no penalties are imposed on those who commit such violations.
