Simpler registration for unified PWD ID sought

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has urged government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to ensure the hassle-free implementation of the Unified Persons with Disabilities Identification System, calling for fewer documentary requirements and easier access to benefits for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Go said legitimate PWD beneficiaries should not be burdened with repeated medical certifications, unnecessary paperwork, and additional expenses just to maintain access to their legally-mandated privileges.

“Wag na nating pahirapan ang ating mga kababayang may kapansanan. Marami na silang pinagdadaanang hamon sa araw-araw. Kung permanente naman ang kanilang kondisyon at may sapat nang dokumento, hindi na dapat paulit-ulit na pinapabalik sa mga opisina at pinapagastos para lamang mapatunayan ang kanilang kapansanan,” Go said.

His appeal followed the November 4 announcement of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), encouraging PWDs nationwide to register under the unified digital identification system.

The initiative aims to consolidate PWD records into a secure national database, prevent fraudulent identification cards, and improve access to government-mandated privileges and benefits.

Go said he supports the digitalization initiative but stressed that its implementation should not create additional difficulties for PWDs.

Under NCDA Administrative Order No. 001, series of 2026, PWD identification cards issued to individuals with permanent disabilities will have lifetime validity, while IDs for those with non-apparent disabilities will require revalidation every five years.

Holders of valid and unexpired physical PWD IDs generally do not need to submit another Certificate of Disability for registration, as their existing documents may be used, subject to verification when necessary.

He said persons with lifelong conditions should no longer be required to undergo repeated medical examinations or spend money securing documents to prove their disabilities.

The senator also called on LGUs, through their Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs) and City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices, to provide accessible registration services, including mobile and assisted registration for applicants with mobility difficulties and those living in geographically-isolated communities.

He likewise underscored the importance of protecting the personal and medical information of PWD registrants.

As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go has supported measures aimed at improving healthcare access and social protection for vulnerable Filipinos.

He principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act, and filed Senate Bill No. 677, which seeks to provide more accessible voting arrangements for senior citizens, pregnant women, and PWDs.

Go urged the NCDA, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and LGUs to ensure that no PWD will lose access to benefits because of registration difficulties or confusion over the new system.