JUNE 4, 2016

NR # 4221B

Solon to push for bill providing for additional benefits for PWDs
A re-elected lawmaker will strongly push for a bill that would expand the benefits
and privileges of persons with disability PWDs) in the 17th Congress.
Rep. Jerry P. Treas (Lone District, Iloilo City) said he would re-file the bill
granting additional benefits to PWDs, amending Republic Act 7277, as amended by
RA9442.
Our very own Constitution provides that the State shall prioritize the needs of the
PWDs, Treas said, stressing that PWDs should be afforded with greater protection and
benefits by the law.
Treas filed House Bill 6470 but the measure was referred to the Committee on
Social Services only recently.
Treas said the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons declares that the States policy is
to ensure the rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance of disabled persons while
acknowledging PWDs must attain a more meaningful, productive and satisfying life.
According to the latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority,
approximately 1.57 percent of our population has reported disabilities. More than one and
a half million of our citizens are PWDs, Treas said.
We must act quickly and decisively to ensure that our PWDs will receive the
necessary financial and healthcare support from the government, Treas added.
Under House Bill 6470, a monthly stipend of P500 shall be given to PWDs to
augment their daily subsistence and medical needs, but subject to the availability of funds.
The measure also mandates the National Health Insurance Program of PhilHealth
Funds to cover all PWDs who are not presently covered by any existing category from the
National Health Insurance Fund of PhilHealth.
Every two years, the measure requires Congress to review the proposed Act, in
consultation with the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) and
other concerned government agencies.
These two entitlements will give the PWDs the same privileges which are
currently being enjoyed by the countrys senior citizens, Treas said.
The Expanded Senior Citizens Act, which provided for a P500 monthly stipend for

senior citizens, was passed in 2010, and this 16th Congress, RA10645 was also passed,
granting PhilHealth benefits for all senior citizens, removing the indigency requirement.
The Magna Carta afforded neither of these two privileges to PWDs for PWDs and
its amendatory law.
RA9442 was passed in order to provide for the privileges and incentives of PWDs.
Having a Magna Carta for PWDs is not enough. There is a need for a concrete
program and policy for the PWDs, Treas said. (30) jc