Mga Taong May Problema Sa Paningin, Pwede Na Daw Mag-Apply Ng PWD I.D?

We are thankful that the Philippine government has programs and opportunities for people with disabilities or PWDs. According to the Republic Act No. 10754 or An Act Expanding The Benefits And Privileges Of Person's With Disability, PWDs have benefits such as discounts in goods and services such as in public transport, medical services, educational assistance, and many more.

Recently, several reports claim that people with poor eyesight can apply fo persons-with-disability (PWD) ID. According to KAMI, one student with 700 eye grade was qualified for a PWD ID and ABS-CBN report said that people with poor eyesight are qualified to apply for PWD ID as stated in Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, and For Other Purposes (RA 9442) and in RA 10754.

The City governments will be giving PWD ID to the person with a medical certificate from their ophthalmologist with a clearance of functional limitation due to poor eyesight. Nanet Tanyag of Manila Social Welfare Office said:

“May mga 800 and above na kailangan ng eyeglasses, but then, napaka-hirap na, masyado na makapal and also, kapag tinanggal ‘yon, mahirapan na sila maging functional.”

However, Carmen Zubiaga, the officer in charge of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), expressed alarm with the news circulating on the internet. She clarified that poor eyesight does not automatically guarantee someone to avail a PWD card unless it cannot be corrected.

"Kahit nga 1,000 ang grado ng salamin mo , basta yan ay nako-correct  pa, nakakabasa ka pa, nakikita mo pa yung pinapabasa sa 'yo ng optometrist, hindi ka pa [qualified for PWD ID],” Zubiaga said.

“Pero kapag kahit nagsalamin ka ay ang makikita mo lang yung letter E na malaki—yun iisyuhan ka na ng ID,” Zubiaga added.

She also warned people who will abuse it.

“Sa mga gustong mag-apply ng PWD ID, siguraduhin niyo lang na kayo ay may disability at hindi ‘yung basta sakit lang. Para ma-determine ninyo, tignan niyo kung ano ‘yung functional limitation na naging resulta ng inyong sakit."

Watch the video below: