THE PERSONS with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) reported steady progress in resolving complaints filed against establishments over denied discounts.
During the iSpeak Media forum on Thursday, PDAO head Redendo Martinez said the office had resolved 125 discount-related complaints, mostly involving food establishments.
The official attributed many of the discount violations to establishments’ ignorance of the law, noting that some businesses mistakenly believe the mandatory discount applies only to senior citizens.
“They are ignorant about the law, abi nilag senior citizen lang ang naay discount,” he stressed.
He noted that some establishments assume a customer does not qualify as a PWD simply because the person “looks healthy” or does not show visible signs of disability.
Martinez said most were settled after the establishments concerned admitted fault, based on their response to complaints.
Under its process, once PDAO receives a complaint, the office sends erring establishments a written notice requiring them to explain in writing the incident.
Once a response is submitted, PDAO evaluates whether the establishment’s explanation is acceptable. Martinez said most respondents admit the violation at this stage.
“Mostly sa ilang response, mangayo gyud og pasaylo, gina-admit na ilang mistake, ug dili na nila usabon,” Martinez said.
He added that if the complainant is not satisfied with the establishment’s explanation, PDAO steps in to mediate and reconcile both parties.
“We avoid filing cases as much as possible; we have to gain friends or gain more support from the private sector,” he said.
Should the complainant still wish to pursue legal action, PDAO will assist and support the PWDs in filing a formal case.
He said 100% of the 125 complaints were resolved, and the establishments are required to rectify their practice or face sanctions.
“The next time, we will coordinate with the business bureau to block their business permit because of a certain violation,” Martinez stressed.
Currently, the office recorded 45,000 registered PWDs in the city.
Aside from discount-related disputes, PDAO reported that it currently has five active cases involving discrimination and cyberbullying targeting PWDs.
The office also cited cases of discrimination in public transportation, particularly incidents where PWD passengers are forced to sit at the back of public utility vehicles instead of being given their designated seats at the front.
Officials warned that transport operators found tolerating such discrimination risk having their franchise suspended, while drivers found violating PWD rights face suspension of their driver’s license.
PDAO actively monitors complaints and reports circulated on social media and takes motu proprio action to summon parties involved in reported violations.
