The Philippine government reportedly lost around ₱88.2 billion in taxes in 2023 due to the proliferation of fake Person with Disability (PWD) identification cards. These cards allow holders to claim a 20% discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemptions under Republic Act 10754. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, has called for an investigation into the issue through Senate Resolution 1239.
The misuse of fake PWD IDs has affected not only government revenues but also the programs designed to support genuine PWDs. Local governments and businesses, particularly restaurants, have raised concerns about the financial burden of providing unauthorized discounts. In some cities like Bacolod and Cebu, authorities uncovered fake IDs printed on non-standard materials and bearing spurious disability details. Such incidents have highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulations and monitoring to prevent further abuse.
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