THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday warned the public against feigning disabilities to gain access to priority lanes and special privileges intended for persons with disabilities.
The agency said the act is unethical and disrespectful to the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, adding that it undermines efforts to promote an inclusive society.
DSWD spokesman Irene Dumlao issued the warning following a viral social media post involving a TikTok user who allegedly faked a disability to gain priority access at LRT Line 1.
"DSWD is deeply concerned about individuals pretending to have disabilities just to access privileges and benefits intended for persons with disabilities," Dumlao said. "Such actions undermine the reforms we are pushing to ensure fair and inclusive opportunities for our fellow Filipinos with disabilities."
Dumlao also stressed that priority access in public transportation and spaces is meant to provide support and convenience to members of vulnerable sectors.
"Falsely claiming to have a disability just to gain priority access weakens the intent of our laws and policies for persons with disabilities," she said. "Any form of deception is not only against proper conduct but also against the law."
The DSWD noted that under Republic Act 7277, persons with disabilities are entitled to a barrier-free environment and reasonable accommodations in public and private establishments.
The agency urged the public to report incidents of abuse or discrimination to the National Council on Disability Affairs as part of efforts to protect the rights and welfare of the community.