Lifetime validity of PWD cards for permanent disabilities pushed

MANILA – A measure that would provide for the lifetime validity of persons with disabilities (PWD) identification cards (IDs) issued to persons with permanent disabilities has hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives this week.

The House Special Committee on Persons with Disabilities approved the consolidation of House Bills (HBs) 8590 and 9203, otherwise known as the proposed Lifetime Validity of PWD Cards Act.

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas, the author of HB 9203, said that PWDs are currently required to renew their IDs every three years for the re-evaluation of their entitlement to the benefits pertaining to their disability status.

“This additional bureaucracy creates unwanted hurdles especially to persons with a total permanent disability,” Vargas said.

The bill aims to provide relief for PWDs with permanent disabilities such as pre-existing birth defects, permanent blindness or deafness, or loss of limb or body parts.

“This bill recognizes the important contributions of persons with disabilities and well-deserved reintegration to society,” he said.

Parañaque City Rep. Joy Tambunting, the author of HB 8590, said that re-evaluating the cardholder’s disability status, particularly for persons with permanent disabilities, to renew the validity of their PWD cards should be reconsidered as it adds to the inconvenience and burden of these individuals.

“While the intent of the rationale is understandable, especially with some individuals who abuse the system, this rationale is inapplicable to those with permanent disabilities and only forces them to shell out expenses for the renewal of their cards every three years,” Tambunting said.

It seeks to amend the relevant provisions of Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

The issuance of PWD cards with lifetime validity for persons with permanent disabilities shall be duly certified by the Municipal or City Health Office where the PWD resides.

During the hearing, stakeholders stressed the need to first define “permanent disability” and ensure that it follows the definition accepted internationally.