MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking into the alleged misuse of persons with disability (PWD) identification cards to get discounts.
The DTI said the move stemmed from a social media post about a family with all members having PWD discount cards.
The post that circulated online on June 20 showed a photo of a family with all members supposedly visually impaired and one with psychosocial disability.
“Such discount is solely meant for genuine PWDs. The DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau is looking into the issue,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
Lopez said a group of restaurant owners reached out to the DTI amid complaints of multiple fraudulent use of PWD discount cards.
Under Republic Act 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, cardholders can get a 20-percent discount and exemption from value-added tax for goods and services, including those from food establishments, hotels and recreation centers as well as for purchases of medicine and medical and dental services.
Lopez said individuals should not abuse PWD discount cards, especially during this period of national health crisis as restaurant owners are struggling to keep their businesses afloat.