Councilor Enzo Villafuerte, chairperson of the Committee on Civil, Political, and Human Rights of the City Council of Davao, pushes for ordinance upholding rights and privileges of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Villafuerte bared on Thursday that they are now in the third committee hearing including seeking advice from the city legal with regards to the provision of the penalties.
Villafuerte added that this ordinance is needed after finding out that the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) still received numerous complaints from PWDs.
“Kay nadungog nako sa PDAO nga naa gyud some problems gihapon with regards sa mga PWDs. Example atong mga jeepney drivers sa public utility vehicles pag makit-an nila na magpara kay PWD dili sila muhunong,” Villafuerte said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).
Villafuerte also said that there are some pharmacies and establishments in Davao City that do not follow the discounted policy for PWDs.
“Naay mga pharmacies nga wala naga follow sa discount nga 20% ug vat exemption, isa pud na sa mga problema sa mga PWDs. Kasagaran limited lang ang ilang job opportunities dili pa gyud ihatag ang ilang discount which is their right,” he said.
Villafuerte explained that through this ordinance the city can strengthen the national law concerning the rights of PWDs.
Aside from protecting the rights of PWDs, Villafuerte said that the ordinance will be the basis for them to provide privileges and subsidies for PWDs.
“Mas kinahanglan sa mga PWDs ang assistance and we will determine if it will be monthly or quarterly,” Villafuerte said.
Villafuerte is hopeful that the ordinance will be approved before his term in the city council ends.
The primary law in the Philippines that upholds the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) is the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, also known as Republic Act No. 7277. This law ensures equal opportunities, full participation, and inclusion of PWDs in society, particularly in employment, education, transportation, infrastructure, telecommunications, and health services.
Additionally, Republic Act No. 10754 expands the benefits and privileges of PWDs, including discounts on goods and services, medical and dental services, transportation fares, and more. This act further amends the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities to provide additional support and incentives for PWDs.
