SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez lauded the government’s pilot rollout of the unified identification system for persons with disabilities (PWDs), calling it “a milestone in dignity, fairness, and service” for one of society’s most vulnerable sectors.
Earlier, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that the pilot implementation has begun in 35 areas nationwide, starting in San Miguel, Bulacan.
Romualdez — principal author of House Bill No. 16, which seeks to enhance discounts for senior citizens and PWDs — said this move is proof of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s sincere commitment to protect and uplift those who need government’s help the most.
The Speaker said “this unified ID will make life easier for our PWDs by ensuring that services and benefits reach them without delay, confusion, or unfair treatment. At the same time, it is a strong response to the long-standing abuse of fraudulent PWD IDs that hurt businesses and cast doubt on legitimate beneficiaries.”
“Sa inisyatibong ito ng DSWD at ng National Council on Disability Affairs, matitigil na ang pagnanakaw at pagsasamantala ng ilan sa mga karapatan at benepisyo na nakalaan para sa ating mga kababayang may kapansanan,” he added.
*Protecting rights, restoring trust*
The unified PWD ID system aims to eliminate fake IDs and restore public trust in the benefits granted under the law. Around 200,000 PWDs are expected to join the pilot rollout, with full implementation benefiting an estimated 2 million PWDs nationwide.
Apart from Bulacan, the program will also be introduced this week in Pasay City, Muntinlupa City and Santa Rosa City in Laguna. The pilot run covers 35 local government units across the country, including areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Rizal, Cavite, Camarines Norte, Aklan, Bohol, Bukidnon and South Cotabato.
Under the new system, LGUs will process applications, verify eligibility, and approve unified PWD IDs through their Persons with Disability Affairs Offices, while the NCDA will handle centralized ID printing.
Security features include:
• A digital ID accessible via mobile app or web portal
• A QR code for instant verification by business establishments
• An RFID-enabled physical card for added protection
Earlier this year, Speaker Romualdez condemned the rampant abuse of fake PWD IDs, pointing out that while businesses suffer losses, legitimate PWDs face unfair suspicion and are sometimes forced to justify their conditions.
Last June, he joined Tingog Partylist Reps. Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre in filing HB 16, which ensures that promotional discounts from business establishments are granted on top of the existing 20-percent discount and 12-percent VAT exemption for senior citizens and PWDs.
With the launch of the unified ID, Romualdez called on businesses, LGUs and the public to be active partners in protecting the system.
“The DSWD has worked hard to make this system as fool-proof as possible. But we must all remain vigilant. Let’s verify IDs, report abuses, and keep improving the system so it truly serves those who need it,” he said.
He assured that Congress will continue to champion legislation for PWD welfare.
“Katuwang din natin ang ating mga PWD sa pagbuo at pagsulong ng ating minamahal na bansa. Nararapat lamang na maibigay sa kanila ang mga benepisyong itinakda ng batas.”
Romualdez stressed that the project is more than a technology upgrade.
“The unified PWD ID system is not just digitalization at work — it is compassion, recognition, and justice made real for our PWDs.”
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