Cuenco urges CLO to hasten probe into fake PWD IDs issue

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor James Anthony Cuenco has asked the City Legal Office to take accountability in the “halted” investigation into the alleged selling of falsified Persons With Disability (PWD) ID cards at the City Hall.

In a phone interview yesterday, July 4, 2024, Cuenco said that the investigation was halted and that it has affected the witnesses’ interest to give their testimonies.

“For now it’s already on halt (because) we have a problem with gathering those witnesses. It’s been a long time since the exposé and murag nawagtang naman ang gana pod ang mga witnesses… busy pod sila sa ilang trabaho. It’s really hard pud to bring them all together. So for now, it’s on halt,” Cuenco said.

Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has earlier ordered an investigation into allegations that PWD IDs were being sold by the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS).

Garcia called for the investigation following the privilege speech by Cuenco more than a month ago, disclosing the allegations of PWD IDs being sold for P2,000 to P4,000 and used by persons who do not have any physical or mental disability.

Cuenco also said that there were witnesses who came forward with their affidavits, but the supposed interview process that must be conducted by the City Legal Office was unclear due to the conflict of schedules.

“Oo, mao na ang nakalangay (sa investigation). Murag nawagtangan pod ang gana og testify na ang mga witnesses. Although naa na ang ilang mga witness speech but kinahanglan man gud ang testimony,” Cuenco said.

On the other hand, Cuenco disclosed that those with fake IDs won’t be able to use the cards anymore as these were already revoked.

He said that they have already coordinated with establishments in the city, and stressed that QR codes would need to be generated to ensure the authenticity of PWD IDs.

“Gi-alert na ang mga establishments not to honor it (fake ID) because it shall be recognized by a QR code nga naa didto nakabutang, mahibaw-an man kung orig(inal) or dili,” he added.

Cuenco then urged the City Legal Office to be accountable in the investigation, which should have taken place already since it’s been a while since the exposé was made.

“Ang ako i-hangyo sa City Legal nga to try your best to be good with their plan to pursue with the investigation. Ako pod gihangyo sa ila, we have to make recommendations nalang...unsaon nato pag pursue sa mga nakilambigit sa mga anomalya to consider collective measure nga ma-apply hinuon,” Cuenco said. - Nicholas Jon Malaga,CNU Intern, ATO (CEBU NEWS)