Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is recommending that Bacolod’s QR code system be adopted nationwide to curb the proliferation of fake Person with Disability (PWD) identification cards.
The Senate Committee of Ways and Means, chaired by Gatchalian, conducted a public hearing on Thursday, Dec. 5, to address the proliferation of fake PWD identification cards and their adverse impact on government revenues.
The hearing tackled Senate Resolution 1239 filed by Gatchalian that seeks to address concerns on tax leakages caused by the use of fake PWD IDs.
“The law was designed to assist the PWD sector and share our responsibility in supporting them. Unfortunately, the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption, totaling a 32 percent discount, have become too enticing for unscrupulous individuals to exploit,” he said.
Gatchalian lauded Bacolod for its innovative security feature in its PWD identification cards.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who was invited as a resource person at the hearing, explained how Bacolod City has prevented the spread of fake PWD IDs and other government issued documents through the use of QR codes and technology.
He pointed out that Bacolod PWD and senior citizen IDs were recalled to be replaced with QR coded cards.
This initiative ensures that individuals who truly belong to the PWD sector receive the discounts they are entitled to, he pointed out.
The QR code also allows establishments in Bacolod City to easily scan and verify the authenticity of PWD cards, preventing fraud and ensuring that only legitimate cardholders benefit from the privileges, Benitez said.
John Anthony Ledesma, president of Bacolod Entrepreneurs United, said the monthly PWD card claims in Bacolod dropped from 6-8 percent to only 2-3 percent thanks to the verification process enabled by the QR codes.
“We are truly grateful for this innovation by Mayor Albee Benitez”, he told the Senate Committee.
Eric Teng, representing Resto PH and the restaurant industry, said “We are very pleased with the initiatives carried out by the LGU of Bacolod”.
Glenda Relova, Executive Director III of the National Council on Disability Affairs, expressed interest in replicating Bacolod City’s system of PWD cards with QR codes.
She said they aim to use Bacolod as a benchmark for similar initiatives nationwide.*