The Department of Justice (DOJ) says it is alarmed by the large number of Persons with Disability (PWD) ID cards that appear to be fake or not reflected in official records, with reporting citing nearly 6 million such cases. DOJ officials warn that people who obtained PWD IDs through deceptive means may face criminal liability.
DOJ’s position is supported by figures presented to it by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), which notes a gap between the number of PWDs it says are legitimately registered and a higher estimate of individuals holding actual PWD IDs. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida says the government is moving toward a nationwide, standardized PWD ID system that uses centralized, technology-driven verification. The new system is expected to be fully deployed within two to three years.
Outlets also report DOJ guidance to the public and businesses. DOJ cautions business owners against confiscating suspected IDs on their own and instead advises checking authenticity and filing appropriate charges, including falsification of public documents, through proper legal processes.
