‘PWD discounts cannot be denied’

MANILA, Philippines — Having doubts on the validity of a person-with-disability (PWD) identification card is not an excuse for an establishment or agency to deny the person of availing of discounts.

In a five-page legal opinion released last Jan. 27, Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said, “In sum, Republic Act 10754 (An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability) and its IRR (implementing rules and regulations) do not require verification of the PWD ID card as a pre-requisite of the PWD’s availment of their benefits and privileges, said verification cannot be imposed as a condition thereon.”

He answered two questions raised by National Council on Disability Affairs officer-in-charge deputy executive director Dandy Victa.

Vasquez said it is not permissible for establishments and agencies to deny and withhold PWD benefits and privileges solely because the authenticity of the PWD ID card cannot be verified at the time of transaction.

As to the query if such denial constitutes a violation of existing laws and IRRs related to the rights and privileges of PWDs, the DOJ official answered in the affirmative.