Fake PWD ID lands man in jail

A 50-year-old man was arrested in Marikina City for using a fake Persons with Disability (PWD) identification card, police said on Saturday.

The suspect, identified only as alias Biboy, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Makati City, claimed to have an orthopedic disability.

He was apprehended on Friday afternoon after visiting Marikina City’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) to verify the legitimacy of his PWD ID.

Authorities discovered that the card had no record in their system and was confirmed to be fake.

“We received a report from our PDAO that the suspect personally went to their office to check the legitimacy of his PWD ID, which was registered in Marikina, even though he is from Makati,” said Marikina police public information office chief P/Capt. Julius R. Criste.

“When the PDAO verified it, they found no record of his ID, and there was also no record of his claimed orthopedic disability,” he added.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect had been using the fake ID for discounts at restaurants. However, he failed to provide any proof of his disability.

“The suspect admitted he had been using the fake PWD ID multiple times at establishments offering discounts and privileges,” Criste said.

“He claims someone gave it to him as a gift. But from the start, it should have been clear that using an ID obtained illegally is wrong. If you have something like this, check if it’s real or fake before using it,” he added.

The suspect is currently detained at the Marikina City Police Station custodial facility while authorities prepare documents for inquest proceedings.

He faces charges for falsification of public documents under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.

“We strongly warn the public against using fake PWD IDs. If you attempt to do this, you will face legal consequences, including imprisonment,” Criste said.