A PWD's plea for understanding
If my memory is clear, all this noise about the fake persons with disability (PWD) cards started in late last year. The unnecessary announcements made by some government agencies, perhaps to satisfy the complaints of some members of the hospitality industry, only opened the floodgate for further discrimination against PWDs.
The Magna Carta for PWDs enacted into law in 1992 was meant to recognize the specific needs of PWDs who are an integral part of Philippine society. The law provided for, among others, government issuance of PWD identification cards so the ID holder can avail of discounts on essential items and services. As everyone knows, being a PWD puts many of us in a disadvantaged situation as far as generating income is concerned and discounts like these help us in many ways than the ordinary person can imagine.
But then rampant corruption in government affected even PWDs. Ten to 15 years ago, a fake IDs could be acquired for P4,500 to P6,000. As of this writing, it was selling as low as P100 online. Nakaka-insulto ito.
The identification card is supposedly the entire nation supporting us so we can live more comfortably despite our disabilities. Now, we feel the world is against us again.
As someone with epilepsy, I rely on anti-seizure medication. My PWD ID makes it possible for me to afford these essential medicines.
I seldom eat at fancy restaurants. Not that I am against it, but I simply cannot afford to. Sometimes, I’d treat my 79-year-old mother (holder of a Senior Citizen card) and my younger sister who is diagnosed with mixed disabilities, to a nearby restaurant that has a comfortable setup for us.
We tease each other when we bring out our IDs to avail of the discount. Since my mobility issues are non-apparent, I would voluntarily mention to the restaurant staff that I have a seizure disorder. Honestly, it is a little humiliating. But I also do it to promote awareness of the complex definition of disability.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, I have become reliant on commercial transport services. My PWD card provides a valuable discount, enabling me to manage transportation expenses more effectively. Yet, countless times, I had to bear the whining of some drivers who had to shoulder the 20% discount. I do understand their predicament, but transport service is not something I can always afford. Other drivers are compassionate, though, if they themselves have family members who are also PWDs.
I really feel sad. The Magna Carta is supposed to be aimed at Filipinos helping Filipinos with disabilities. Why is it dividing us now?
My journey as an epilepsy advocate began 21 years ago, a path ignited in 2004 when the Philippine League Against Epilepsy honored my fight. The International League Against Epilepsy further recognized this dedication in 2012, naming me Outstanding Person with Epilepsy for Asia and Oceania. Through my involvement with various disability groups, I've witnessed firsthand how disability affects families regardless of their social standing.
During the pandemic, there were many frontliners with invisible disabilities fighting for our society’s survival at the frontlines. I was one of them who braved social contact because I belonged to a humanitarian organization and there was nobody else to manage our relief operations. We never complained even though we were in an extremely vulnerable situation because of our weak immune systems.
We recognize the agony of restaurants that are claiming to be “crippled” by fake PWD ID cards. However, they should not take it out on PWDs. It's inflation that's killing the restaurant business—not the fake IDs as every discount they give is actually matched by a tax rebate. The almost 2 million PWDs are actually sick Filipinos who need help.
To those scammers and producers of PWD IDs: Please, stop.
I also call on the government to accelerate the development of a more secure and efficient PWD ID system, one that effectively serves the needs of people with disabilities. Stop hurting persons with disabilities if you really care for us.
