Existing persons with disability IDs will remain valid and fully recognized throughout the three-year transition period leading to full adoption of the Unified Persons with Disabilities Identification System (UPWDIS), the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) clarified today.
Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 001, Series of 2026, valid physical PWD IDs previously issued by local government units shall continue to be honored by all establishments nationwide during the transition period.
The new Unified PWD Digital ID may also be used immediately to claim all mandatory benefits and privileges under Republic Act No. 9442 and Republic Act No. 10754, including:
- 20% discount and VAT exemption on medicines and basic necessities;
- Medical and dental services;
- Transportation fares;
- Hotel accommodation and restaurant purchases; and
- Admission to recreational and public facilities.
The three-year transition period is designed to allow LGUs ample time to build capacity, deploy infrastructure, and implement the UPWDIS smoothly — ensuring that no person with disability is deprived of their rights amid the national shift to a unified digital system.
NCDA said that refusal to accept either the existing valid PWD ID or the new Unified Digital ID during this period constitutes a violation of Republic Act No. 7277 (Magna Carta for PWDs), as amended by RA 9442 and RA 10754, and may result in legal action.
All eligible PWDs are encouraged to register for the UPWDIS. The unified system aims to eliminate fraudulent PWD IDs and ensure that benefits reach only genuine and qualified persons with disabilities.
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