MALATE, Manila — The Department of Justice (DoJ) has reminded business establishments or any other agency that having doubts on the validity of a person-with-disability (PWD) identification card is not an excuse to deny the cardholder of availing the prescribed discounts under the law.

This was clarified in a five-page legal opinion signed by justice undersecretary Raul Vasquez, who cited that “in sum, Republic Act 10754 (An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability) and its IRR (implementing rules and regulations) do not require verification of the PWD ID card as a pre-requisite of the PWD’s availment of their benefits and privileges, said verification cannot be imposed as a condition thereon.”

Vasquez issued the opinion in answer tobthe two questions raised by National Council on Disability Affairs officer-in-charge deputy executive director Dandy Victa regarding concerns in validating a PWD identification card, due especially to reports that there are many fake or 'fabricated' IDs in circulation.

To settle this issue, the justice official spelled out that it is not permissible for establishments and agencies to deny and withhold PWD benefits and privileges solely because the authenticity of the PWD ID card cannot be verified at the time of transaction.

When asked if such denial constitutes a violation of existing laws and IRRs related to the rights and privileges of PWDs, the Vasquez answered in the affirmative.