THE PERSONS with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) is fast-tracking the creation of the implementing rules and regulations for the Comprehensive Persons with Disability Ordinance.
PDAO head Atty. Redendo Martinez said the office is currently drafting the IRR of the ordinance for a more strengthened implementation.
“Gina draft nako ang proposed IRR para mahan-ay ang implementation sa maong balaud,” Martinez said during the iSpeak media forum on Thursday, July 3.
Martinez added that the IRR is set to be completed in September, ready for full implementation before the year ends.
The 20th City Council approved the ordinance on June 18, mandating the PDAO, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the Office of the City Building Official, and the City Engineer’s Office, to submit to the Office of the City Mayor, the proposed IRR within a period of 90 days from the approval of the Ordinance.
The ordinance was introduced by councilor Lorenzo Benjamin D. Villafuerte, when he was the committee chair of the civil, political, and human rights during the 20th city council.
Among the highlights of the ordinance is penalizing any person who commits acts of denigration, vilification, or public ridicule against PWD with P1,000 for the first offense; P3,000 for the second offense; and a fine of P5,000 or one month imprisonment, or both at the discretion of the court for the third and succeeding offense.
An individual possessing any falsified PWD ID will also be fined P1,000-P5,000 and/or one month imprisonment, or both at the discretion of the court.
It also expands national law, tailor-fit to the needs of the PWD in the city, such as their right to travel, mobility, education, and employment, among others.
In the 21st city council, Villafuerte, now chairs the committee on social services, said he will also push for an ordinance providing subsidies for the PWD sector.
Martinez said the office is eyeing to propose a monthly subsidy of P3,000 for each PWD to utilize for their distinct needs from medication to devices they need for mobility.
Photo by Jakub Pabis on Unsplash
