Restaurant owners group denounces ‘widespread abuse’ of fake PWD IDs for discounts

Restaurant owners group denounces ‘widespread abuse’ of fake PWD IDs for discounts

The Restaurant Owners of the Philippines (RESTO PH) has denounced the “widespread abuse” of fake Persons with Disability (PWD) IDs for discounts in restaurants and other establishments.

In an official statement posted Tuesday via Instagram, the group said that this widespread abuse “is now putting a serious strain on restaurants and other businesses.”

“Many people don’t realize that it’s not the government covering the 20% discount – it’s the businesses themselves. Every fraudulent discount comes directly out of a restaurant’s pocket, cutting into already thin margins,” it said.

According to RESTO PH, the use of fraudulent PWD cards is more than just an inconvenience for small and family-run restaurants, but a “financial hit that can mean the difference between survival and closure.”

“This isn’t just about lost revenue; it affects employees, food quality, and even menu prices for honest customers.”

The group thus called for fairness, noting that the PWD discount should benefit the community it was meant to help and “not be a loophole for those looking to save a few pesos at the expense of struggling businesses.”

“If you care about the restaurants you love, help protect them – say no to fake PWD cards,” said RESTO PH.

Some notable chefs, such as Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco and Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, shared RESTO PH’s statement on their social media accounts and gave their opinions on the issue.

In Chef Waya’s post on Facebook and Instagram, she wrote that she appreciates the government-mandated discounts as these help PWDs to secure their essentials like medication and food. This, after she felt the struggle of PWDs and their loved ones when she worked with those with special needs.

She, however, said she was appalled when she saw people acquiring fake PWD IDs.

“[T]hey started popping up sporadically a few years ago, but now it’s so rampant that we get whole tables all with PWD ID, including the yaya. We now see ads selling PWD IDs on FB Marketplace and even Shopee,” she wrote.

She added that using a fake PWD ID is “tantamount to corruption and theft” as this is stealing from the restaurant, its employees, and legitimate PWDs.

“We want to keep supporting the PWDs who really need the discounts. But fraudulent discounts eat into our already thin margins and spell the difference between survival and closure,” she said. “Let’s be fair please, protect your favorite restaurants, protect your PWDs. Stop the use of FAKE PWD IDs.”

Chef Tatung also expressed his dismay over the use of fake PWD IDs, writing on Facebook, “It really is hurting small businesses like ours.”

Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7277, as amended by R.A. No. 10754, was enacted to give PWDs the opportunity to participate in mainstream society by entitling them to privileges through the use of a PWD ID.

These benefits include a 20% discount and an exemption from Value-Added Tax (VAT) on certain goods and services for their exclusive use and enjoyment.

However, the proliferation of fake PWD IDs has become apparent in recent years.

On December 5, 2024, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means held a public hearing on Senate Resolution No. 1239 to discuss the use of fake PWD IDs.

Per the hearing, the government has lost about P88.2 billion worth of taxes in 2023 alone due to fake PWD IDs.

Following the hearing, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued a warning against the sale and use of fake PWD IDs, saying that such acts are tantamount to tax evasion.

The BIR also said it will bolster its coordination with other government agencies to verify the legitimacy of PWD IDs.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News

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