New Digital PWD ID to Combat Tax Leaks and Ensure Authenticity

Good news to legit businesses. Finally,  the Philippines is rolling out a new national ID for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), aiming to eliminate an estimated PHP88.2 billion tax leak from 2023. This digital ID, coupled with an e-verifier system, will ensure the authenticity of PWDs, making it almost 100% certain that the cardholder is genuinely disabled.

How it Works:

* Strict Medical Validation: To get the ID, applicants need to submit valid disability documents.

* Visible disabilities might only need an in-person check.

* Non-visible conditions (like mental or psychosocial disabilities) require certification from licensed specialists.

* The Department of Health (DOH) will release updated disability categories and a list of authorized certifying experts.

* Fully Digital Registration: While the process is online, PWDs who need help can go to their local Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) desks.

* Pilot Program: The new system is being piloted in 35 locations. The latest update from the NCDA confirmed that pilot testing will officially begin this July 2025 in 35 local government units (LGUs) nationwide.

Where is the Unified PWD ID System being pilot tested?

Here are the areas included for pilot run: 

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Parang, Maguindanao

Region I Ilocos Region: Dagupan City, San Carlos City, Urdaneta City, and Alaminos City (Pangasinan)

Region II Cagayan Valley: Solano, Nueva Vizcaya

Region III Central Luzon: Multiple Cities and Municipalities in Bulacan such as San Rafael, Baliwag, Malolos, San Jose Del Monte, Guiguinto, San Miguel, Bocaue, Santa Maria, Pandi, Marilao, Balagtas, and Meycauayan

Region IV-A Calabarzon: Cainta, San Mateo, Teresa, and Antipolo City (Rizal); Carmona (Cavite); Pila and City of Santa Rosa (Laguna)

Region V Bicol Region: Daet, Camarines Norte

Region VI Western Visayas: Kalibo, Aklan

Region VII Central Visayas: Candijay, Bohol

Region X Northern Mindanao: Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Region XII SOCCSKSARGEN: Koronadal City and Surallah, South Cotabato

National Capital Region: Pasay City and Muntinlupa City

The new system aims to crack down on the misuse of fake IDs and guarantee that these benefits reach their rightful recipients. At its core, the system will create a centralized national database and streamline the issuance of PWD IDs under a single design and authority.