Section 32 Chapter 8 of RA 9442 states that PWDs are entitled to “20% discount from all establishments relative to the utilization of all services in hotels and similar lodging establishments; restaurants and recreation centers for the exclusive use or enjoyment of persons with disability.”
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Majority of business establishments and medical facilities in this city still refuse to comply with the provisions stipulated in the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons or Republic Act 7277, as amended by Republic Act 9442.
Teogenes Comiling, president of Persons with Disability (PWDs) in Davao city, in a regular press briefing on Thursday expressed disappointment over the persistent refusal of business establishments and medical facilities to follow the provisions of RA 9442.
“Naningkamot mi nga mahatagan ang among mga membro og mga IDs apan wala gihapon kini gina-honor sa mga establishment (We tried to issue IDs to our members but these are not honored by establishments),” Comiling complained.
Section 32 Chapter 8 of RA 9442 states that PWDs are entitled to “20% discount from all establishments relative to the utilization of all services in hotels and similar lodging establishments; restaurants and recreation centers for the exclusive use or enjoyment of persons with disability.”
The 20% discount also included purchase of medicines to all drugstores, medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees including the professional fees of attending doctors in all private hospitals and medical facilities.
Meanwhile, Marilyn Agonia of the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) confirmed that there are establishments in the city that refuse to comply with the Magna Carta for PWDs.
“These establishments simply ignore the Magna Carta while others might be tired of giving discounts considering that senior citizens are also allowed of it under the law,” Agonia added.
But she said her office continue to support the PWDs through various programs and projects. Among the programs she enumerated are in the field of education, personality development, skills training and livelihood.
At present, a total of 97 PWDs are employed in the city government, eight of them are in the plantilla position, 28 are in contract of service, another 52 are in job order and 11 are working through memorandum of agreement, the CSSD officer said.
“Naay mga shop karon sa Davao nga ga-employ og PWDs. Bisan sa mga cell phone repairs naa pud sila nag trabaho(There are shops now in Davao that employ PWDs. Others work at cell phone repair shops),” Comiling added.
Comiling holds a government plantilla position, serving as Administrative Assistant VI at the City Engineers Office but detailed at the CSSDO. Other PWDs were assigned at the offices of the City Treasurer, City Accountant and at the City Agriculture. (Alex D. Lopez/davaotoday.com)
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