Govt eyes unified PWD IDs by end-2025

This will address the problem of fake IDs.

File photo: PWD card with QR code

Billions of losses due to fake PWD IDs

According to a report by GMANews Online, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said a unified persons with disability (PWD) identification (ID) system is set to be rolled out by the end of this year. This is the government's move to address the spread of fake ones.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has said that the government has lost around PHP 88.2 billion worth of taxes in 2023 because of fake PWD IDs. The Restaurant Owners of the Philippines has also denounced the abuse caused by counterfeit IDs.

Currently, PWD IDs are designed depending on the local government unit. With the unified ID system, it will have a standard look.

DSWD said the unified system will be in its pilot implementation stage until June. It is also working on the terms of reference.

To ensure the security of PWD ID holders, the new ID will have security features such as Radio Frequency Identification and it can link establishments to a webpage portal where they can verify the legitimacy of the user.

Do you think this new system will be effective?

Via: GMANews Online