A LAWMAKER revealed crafting a city ordinance protecting the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and providing penalties for non-compliance is underway.
Councilor Enzo Villafuerte, committee chair on civil, political, and human rights, said the ordinance was in response to continued discrimination for the PWD sector in the city.
Villafuerte reported that the office received complaints from the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) on establishments and public utilities that do not recognize the PWD’s benefits as stipulated by the national law.
“Nadungog nako sa PDAO nga daghan gyud problems gihapon with regards sa mga PWDs. Example atong mga jeepney drivers and public utility vehicles, pag makit-an nila na magpara kay PWD dili sila muhunong, very sad to hear that,” Villafuerte said.
He added that certain pharmacies are claiming that the Food and Drug Administration mandated that the PWD is no longer eligible to avail of discounts.
Under Republic Act 9442 or the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and Other Purposes”, at least a 20% discount shall be given to persons with disability from hotel establishments, restaurants, and recreation centers, purchase of medicines, dental and medical services, transportation fare and others.
“Kasagaran limited lang ang ilang job opportunities dili pa gyud ihatag ang ilang discount, which is their right,” Villafuerte said.
The ordinance will strengthen the implementation of the national law and will be the guidelines for the provision of privileges and subsidies for PWDs.
Apart from that, this will also include penalties on persons who use fake PWD IDs to avail of discounts which can affect legitimate PWDs.
PWDs will also be provided cash incentives, as especially those with apparent and permanent disabilities have limited choice of employment hence there is a need to provide them subsidies.
Villafuerte said after the ordinance is institutionalized, they will sit with the committee on social services chaired by Councilor Pilar Braga to push for cash incentives.
The councilor said the ordinance is still at the committee level, specifically the third committee hearing, and is seeking legal advice as far as penalties are concerned.
