BACOLOD City – Following the city government’s recall order last week, about 15 counterfeit identification cards (IDs) issued to persons with disability (PWDs) were discovered.
Alma Gustilo, head of the Department of Social Services and Development, disclosed yesterday, Feb. 14, that the 15 PWD IDs were found to be falsified following their surrender to the Persons with Disability Affairs Office.
Gustilo said the owners of the fake IDs were victimized by fixers whom they transacted with for convenience.
She added that since their IDs were fake, they will be considered new applicants. After the processing, they will have their booklets, as holders of the fake IDs have no booklets.
As of this writing, since the issuance of the new IDS for PWDs on Feb. 12, more than 100 PWDs have been issued new IDs with quick response (QR) codes made of PVC material.
PWDs can apply for the new ID at the Government Services Express at SM City-Bacolod and the Bacolod Express Services Office at Ayala Malls Capitol Central. With complete requirements, the process takes about 15 minutes only.
Requirements for applying for a new ID are an application form signed by the City Health Office, a medical certificate or abstract from the attending physician, a certificate of barangay residency, a valid ID or birth certificate (for new applicants), a 1×1 ID picture, a photocopy of an old PWD ID (for a replacement ID) with three signatures, and a certificate of disability.
“It is essential to ensure data security, comply with updated regulations, and address other relevant concerns regarding the PWD cards, including the indiscriminate issuance of PWD IDs, which has come to my knowledge.” Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said after he issued Memorandum No. 030 for the recall of IDs on Feb. 5./PN
