World · Philippines Bureau
DOJ warns of criminal charges for fraudulent PWD ID applications
The Department of Justice has cautioned individuals who illegally obtained Persons with Disability identification cards, alerting them to potential criminal liability. The warning comes as authorities express concern over the rapid growth in PWD ID registrations across the country.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA—The Department of Justice issued a stern warning Thursday against individuals who have fraudulently secured Persons with Disability (PWD) identification cards, cautioning them of possible criminal prosecution.
Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan raised the alert during a Thursday press conference, citing growing alarm over the proliferation of PWD IDs obtained through deceptive means. The official noted that the number of PWD cardholders has climbed to nearly 6 million, prompting heightened scrutiny of the application process and verification procedures.
Chan did not specify which charges applicants could face, but signaled that the DOJ would pursue legal action against those found to have misrepresented their disability status or otherwise circumvented legitimate qualification requirements. PWD IDs provide recipients with various government benefits and tax privileges.
The warning underscores ongoing concerns about the integrity of the PWD identification system and the potential for abuse of disability benefits intended for genuinely qualified individuals. The DOJ's move reflects broader government efforts to clamp down on fraudulent claims and ensure that assistance programs reach their intended beneficiaries.
Authorities have not disclosed how many cases of fraudulent PWD ID applications they have identified or the methods typically used to obtain cards illegally.