TABUK CITY, Kalinga – An advocate of the rights and entitlements of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) of this city expressed concern over the prevalent lack of awareness on the PWD law saying it makes the situation of challenged individuals even more difficult.
In an interview, Grace Oyando, in charge of the Office of the Persons with Disability Affairs of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) said that lack of awareness of the law that protects the rights of PWDs affects establishments which are supposed to extend benefits to PWDs under the law.
She said that the best solution is through massive information campaign for all these establishments so their owners will be informed of the law and recognize PWD rights.
These establishments are pharmacies, health facilities, restaurants, recreation centers, lodging establishments, and transportation services, Oyando said.
Oyando also said that the lack of awareness must be addressed especially so with the passage of RA 10754 (An Act Expanding the Benefits of PWDs) which gives additional value-added tax exemptions in the purchase of certain goods and services covered by Value Added Tax (VAT).
This is on top of the 20 percent discount they are already entitled to under Republic Act 9442, or An Act Amending RA 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and for Other Purposes.
The tax exemption law covers restaurants, recreation centers such as theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, and lodging establishments such as inns, motorist hotels and dormitories, she said.
The advocate also mentioned that the law also applies to the purchase of medicines and foods for special medical purposes, medical and dental services, including laboratory fees and professional fees of attending doctors, domestic air, sea and land transportation travel and funeral and burial services.
She also noted that RA 10754 directs all establishments to place signages on the benefits and privileges of PWDs within their premises so that they will know what they are entitled to.
Other salient features of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) include reiteration of the right of PWD to social insurance (thru the Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System and Pag-IBIG), educational assistance, special discounts in the purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities and express lanes in all commercial and government establishments.
It also includes provision of tax incentives for those caring for and living with persons with disabilities up to the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity.
Further, RA 10754 also covers certain vitamins, minerals and herbs in the definition of drug or medicine as long as these are in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration’s cutoff as well as food for special medical purposes.
According to Oyando, double discounts are not allowed by the law. This means that if a PWD is a senior citizen who is also entitled to a 20 percent discount under his/her valid senior citizen identification card (ID), the PWD shall use either his/her Senior Citizen ID or PWD ID card to avail of the 20 percent discount, she explained.
“The needs of 1,292 PWDs in general must not be compromised but rather given constant support to aid their continuous rehabilitation and re-integration into mainstream society,’’ she underscored. **By Darwin S. Serion/Tabuk City Information Office
