KRISTINE CATAMORA & ANGEL NONOL | DSSC Interns
THE LOCAL government is inching closer to institutionalizing an incentive system for establishments hiring persons with disabilities (PWDs), as the proposed ordinance is now at the committee level
During the iSpeak media forum on Thursday, July 16, Atty. Redendo Martinez, head of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), said that under the measure, establishments that actively hire PWDs will receive a discount when they apply for their business permits.
He said that hopefully, the measure encourages inclusive employment across the city.
Martinez said the ordinance has already been approved in principle, but its finer details, particularly the exact discount rate, are still being refined to ensure the incentive does not compromise the city’s revenue base or its existing programs.
The original proposal called for a full 100% tax reduction on the business permit, equivalent to the salary of the PWD employee. However, concerns were raised that this could significantly deplete the city’s tax revenue, prompting the committee to scale back the proposed rate to a more sustainable level.
“We have to be careful. If we grant a 100% tax reduction, the city might run out of revenue to fund our other programs. That’s why we’re pushing for a more reasonable rate that still gives establishments a real incentive to hire PWDs,” Martinez said.
To help determine the appropriate rate, the City Treasurer’s Office has been tasked with preparing a comparative impact study covering three possible discount levels: 10%, 20%, and 50% of the business tax.
Martinez said the data will be presented at the next committee hearing, giving lawmakers a clearer basis for deciding on a rate that balances support for PWD employment with the city’s fiscal sustainability.
“This is a welcome development for our PWD sector. Employment is one of the biggest challenges our constituents face, and this ordinance opens more doors for them while still being fair to the city’s finances,” Martinez added.
Barring further delays, the ordinance is targeted for implementation by August.
Currently, Jollibee and McDonald’s are among the establishments in the city recognized for consistently hiring senior citizens and PWDs.
Jollibee Foods Corporation, which includes Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King, has employed PWDs from the deaf and hard-of-hearing sector under the city’s special employment program.
Jollibee’s inclusive hiring practice extends to its sister company, Chowking, while Yakult and SM have also been cited as employers of PWDs in the city.
