Fake PWD IDs? Are PWDs getting an unfair advantage?
I didn’t know there were cases of people creating allegedly fake PWD IDs in the Philippines to get discounts not meant for them. Maybe I’m naive, but I can’t imagine massive numbers of people doing this with the intent to deceive and take advantage of others. Why would anyone fake a disability just to get a few pesos knocked off their expenses? I rather believe that majority of Filipinos are better than this.
First, is there data to back this up? Where is the evidence that many PWD IDs used in restaurants and other establishments are fake? How many are fake IDs, and what is the percentage of these compared to the legitimate ones?
Now, I understand this is a valid concern, especially for small businesses, because they shoulder the 20% discount and not the government. My issue is that there didn’t need to be a question of whether or not people with disabilities deserve this discount.
As a neurodivergent individual diagnosed with several invisible disabilities, I find it outrageous that people question the validity of my being disabled. Some of these disabilities include:
- ADHD (a learning disability—which is honestly an oversimplified category for what it truly is)
- Bipolar II disorder
- Previously, but still under treatment, Complex PTSD
I take medications to manage these conditions and function as an adult in this highly capitalistic and ableist society. I need these meds to be able to work, do the seemingly simplest of daily tasks, and not be stuck in paralyzing states of depression, mania, and fear, among others. I spend around 20,000 pesos for these meds each month, including meds for my physical ailments, like diabetes, hypertension, endometriosis, etc., etc. Add to that the cost of medical consultations, therapy sessions, and tests, and even my above-average income is barely enough.
Do we deserve discounts on medicines? I think most people would agree. How about discounts on food, groceries (these are limited to commodities like rice, bread, etc.), and some listed as eligible in the lifestyle category? I understand this is where people start complaining.
I also understand that the restaurants and other establishments shoulder this legally mandated 20% discount and not the government. I think the conversation then that needs to happen is why isn’t this being taken from our taxes? Then again, people would still complain about their taxes benefitting people with disabilities—because, as is apparent in these recent outbursts from restaurant owners, people generally feel that PWDs don’t deserve it.
So do we?
Most of the world operates in a system that punishes us for being disabled. Schools and employment often don’t consider that we need to exert significantly more effort to function or even just stay alive. I think it’s only fair that we get some accommodations to give us a chance to live fairly normal lives.
Ultimately, we need an overhaul of the healthcare system, which is a bigger conversation.
I never quite forgot this statement I heard from one disabled person: “The problem is not that there are people in wheelchairs. The problem is that buildings don’t have ramps.”
Note: I lived in the US for a few years, and they didn’t have such a law for PWDs. It’s good that we have it here. And the US is not exactly a great example to follow in terms of healthcare.
Including this photo as a preview of this illustrated book I’m working on.
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3Bhex Arcega, Noel Blanco and 1 other
