When I wrote about how to apply for a PWD ID in 2018 I made sure to include a section on whether applications can get disapproved. And for those who didn’t bother to read the article, the answer is YES! Non-apparent disabilities can be rejected if the accompanying documents are unable to substantially prove that the applicant is qualified for a PWD ID.
I cannot blame PDAO for looking really closely at the documents because there are many who apply who don’t really have a disability but just want to take advantage of the privileges given to those who are, which is actually an accommodation given the disability. I actually know of people who have done this … who have BOUGHT their PWD ID with a supposed mental disability. If a lack of conscience is an acceptable mental disability, then there you go!
Non-apparent disabilities
Mental disabilities
Some mental disabilities such as ADHD and bipolar disorder, for example, are not immediately approved as it needs a comprehensive medical abstract from a licensed psychologist who is connected with a hospital.
I’ve heard of instances where a person with ADHD is bipolar at the same time. Oftentimes, we hear this accompanied even by severe depression. It can happen. But it won’t be approved without the comprehensive medical abstract.
Orthopedic disabilities
Non-apparent orthopedic disabilities can also be rejected if the supporting papers, such as the medical abstract is unable to prove that the condition is a disability.
Disc herniation
A slipped (or herniated) disc, for example, is not considered a disability. I am not a doctor, don’t quote me on this, but I am assuming that a herniated disc is not approved because it is common and does not impact our lives long-term.
According to the Mayo Clinic, disc herniation is often the result of gradual, aging-related wear and tear, or disc degeneration. This means that as we age, we all experience disc herniation. If we are healthy, then to a lesser degree than someone who was injured.
Disc herniation can also happen to young adults due to trauma such as those caused by an injury related to an accident, work, or sports. Disc herniation on its own is not enough reason to qualify for a PWD ID. Once implants are required and the spine is permanently compromised, then that is when it qualifies.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a disability, but not all applicants with scoliosis are approved, especially if they cannot see any curvature in the spine and the supporting documents do not substantiate the condition. I know someone who told me he has scoliosis but try as I might, I don’t see it. To be fair, it isn’t pronounced, if at all, and it’s not like I have ever seen his naked back so how would I really know? I also haven’t seen his x-rays PLUS … most importantly, I am not a doctor.
My niece has scoliosis. When she was young she even had to wear a body brace. Now, I don’t think she wears one anymore but not because her scoliosis is gone. It is still there but to a lesser degree. I don’t know if her parents ever applied for a PWD ID for her as back then, I don’t think it even existed.
Visual disability
You don’t need to be completely blind but if your eyesight is so poor that it cannot be addressed by corrective glasses, lenses, or medication, then you can apply.
What to do
So, if you have a non-apparent disability and would like to apply for a PWD ID then you need to make sure that your documents are complete and that the medical abstract provided can show that you really are qualified to receive one. Otherwise, be grateful that you are healthy.
PWD or Person With Disability is a term used to refer to a person who faces challenges in everyday life that most people take for granted. In inclusive educational institutions, these people are referred to as “differently-abled”. In the Philippines, a “Person With Disability” can enjoy many of the privileges our senior citizens enjoy as well … so long as you have a PWD ID (which you can only get from City Hall in the city where you reside.
The universal symbol for a Person With Disability (PWD) is the man in a wheelchair. But the reality is, there are many types of disabilities and most of them have nothing to do with the ability to walk. A severe orthopedic disability is the most obvious, which is probably why they chose this symbol.
In most cases, though, people only see physical disabilities as a qualification for PWD. Below are the different types of disabilities that could qualify you or your family member for a PWD ID.
Types of disabilities:
To apply for a PWD ID you need to manifest any of the following disabilities:
psychosocial disability – includes people with ADHD, Bi-polar disorder, long-term recurring depression, nervous breakdown, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and other long-term recurring mental or behavioral problems
mental disability
hearing disability – partial to full deafness
visual disability – partial to full blindness
learning disability
speech impairment
orthopedic (musculoskeletal) disability – you will need to be specific about the ailment
Don’t make up a disability that you don’t have just to be able to avail of the benefits. You wouldn’t pretend to be a senior citizen so why would you pretend to be a PWD?
If you have a non-apparent disability get a medical certificate or abstract from your physician. Make sure to remind your doctor to include his PRC License No. below his signature and name. I’ve been told many doctors actually forget to do that which is funny since they know they are supposed to include it all the time.
Get a barangay clearance from the barangay you reside at. They will require you to show a government ID displaying your address to verify that you do live in their barangay.
Bring 2 pcs. 2×2 ID picture and 1 pc. 1X1 ID picture. The 2X2 ID pictures are for the application form and the 1X1 is for the movie booklet.
You will be required to sign a piece of paper using a marker on the spot. This signature will be later scanned and used for your ID.
If you cannot apply in person, you can send someone to process in your place but make sure to give them an authorization letter.
Are there laws that discuss the rights and privileges of PWD?
Republic Act No. 7277 is an act providing for the rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society and for other purposes
Republic Act No. 9442 also known as the Magna Carta for disabled persons and other purposes, amends RA 7277
Yes, when I was there I saw some people get rejected, usually from those who declare non-apparent disabilities. Others were told to come back if their documents were found to be incomplete. Most often the issue was with the medical certificate or abstract.
I heard some people who were applying say that they applied because their workmate told them that they should apply but they did not seem sure about why they were applying.
One woman was applying (and was told to come back at a later date) because she supposedly had a psychosocial disability but her medical certificate was not issued by a psychiatrist/psychologist. Keep in mind that your medical certificate or abstract should come from a doctor that specializes in your supposed disability. So, if she really has a psychosocial disability, she would visit the appropriate doctor, get tested, and be certified.
Now, if you have the proper documentation or have an apparent disability, you have nothing to worry about.
How did I get approved?
If you have a non-apparent disability such as I do you might be hesitant to apply. I, for one, took my sweet time (5 years!) applying because I thought I would get rejected if I did.
PWD ID of Quezon City with sensitive information hidden
Several years later (2018) I was finally able to apply. The most challenging thing was actually getting my medical certificate from my doctor since he is based in Cebu (which is also where I had my operation years ago).
As you can see in the ID I have an orthopedic (musculoskeletal) disability. Because of L5-S1 degenerative spondylolisthesis, I had to go through a procedure called transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) which means I have permanent titanium implants (rods) on my spine for stability.
Since the surgery in 2013, I am no longer experiencing intermittent loss of sensation in my legs. In exchange, I now have limited flexibility and movement and I am unable to stay in one position for long (sitting, standing, etc.) but yes, I am mobile.
The medical certificate my doctor issued included the following, make sure that your doctor will include the same:
if affiliated with a hospital it is a good idea to use the hospital’s letterhead
indicate the name of the patient and the diagnosis
describe the condition
indicate the type of disability you are applying for
the signature, full name, and PRC License number
This applies to all non-apparent disabilities. FYI, it is better if you go there yourself than if you send a representative unless you are bedridden, immobile, or a minor.
What are the benefits attached to a PWD ID?
Free movies on selected days and timeslots – this depends on what city you reside in. In Quezon City, it is every Monday and Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm, depending on the theater. You need to get the free movie booklet at the start of every year
5% discount on selected grocery items (meat, rice, coffee, vegetables, etc.), refer to the back of the PWD purchase booklet. This translates to 65 pesos total discount per week
Exemption from 12% VAT on food, services, and prescribed medicines
20% discount on food, services, and prescribed medicines
20% discount on hotel and local flight bookings
Priority parking – special parking slots are allotted near the elevators and entrances
Priority lane when lining up for anything
Discounted parking
Do all venues offer discounted parking?
Sadly, not all places offer this. Here are the ones I’ve confirmed that do (less 12% VAT, less 20%). I will indicate otherwise if there is any difference in the rate given.
Manila City
Robinson’s Manila
U.N. Square on UN Avenue
Makati
Park Square
Quezon City
Cyberpark Parking, Cubao
Gateway Mall, Cubao
Robinson’s Magnolia – flat rate of P50 for everyone
Trinoma Mindanao Parking – first 4 hours free. I had to specify Mindanao parking because when I was parked at the North parking the girl at the booth said there were no discounts for PWD.
So far, parking facilities that were managed by Ayala Property Management Corporation (APMC) gave a discount but I think it would be premature to make a blanket statement and say all of them so I will just add more places as I discover them.
To everyone out there who is PWD but hesitated to apply, I hope this article will help you move things along. 🙂
For those who are envious of the benefits that PWD receives, don’t be. Trust me, we who are legitimately PWD wish we weren’t.
Addendum:
The PWD ID is valid for 3 years only. Before it expires, make sure to renew it. You will need to get a new medical abstract/certificate and new two 2X2 ID pictures.
Some mental disabilities such as ADHD and bipolar disorder, for example, are not immediately approved as it needs a comprehensive medical abstract from a licensed psychologist who is connected with a hospital.
A slipped (or herniated) disc, for example, is not considered a disability. I am not a doctor, don’t quote me on this, but I am assuming that a herniated disc is not approved because it is common and does not impact our lives long-term.
Scoliosis is a disability, but not all applicants with scoliosis are approved, especially if they cannot see any curvature in the spine and the supporting documents do not substantiate the condition. I know someone who told me he has scoliosis but try as I might, I don’t see it. To be fair, it isn’t pronounced, if at all, and it’s not like I have ever seen his naked back so how would I really know? I also haven’t seen his x-rays PLUS … most importantly, I am not a doctor.
The universal symbol for a Person With Disability (PWD) is the man in a wheelchair. But the reality is, there are many types of disabilities and most of them have nothing to do with the ability to walk. A severe orthopedic disability is the most obvious, which is probably why they chose this symbol.
As a matter of fact, there are a few we should all be aware of and the full documents can be viewed on the 
Yes, when I was there I saw some people get rejected, 
As you can see in the ID I have an orthopedic (musculoskeletal) disability. Because of L5-S1 degenerative spondylolisthesis, I had to go through a procedure called transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) which means I have permanent titanium implants (rods) on my spine for stability.
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