PWDs to enjoy VAT-free purchases, other benefits before Christmas

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) can start enjoying their extended benefits such as value-added-tax (VAT)-free goods and services on December 23, two days before Christmas, a government release said.

Signed on December 1, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. 10754, also known as An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons With Disability (PWDs) gives PWDs exemption from VAT on certain goods and services from all establishments, on top of the existing 20 percent discount they are entitled to.

READ: IRR of PWD law inked

In order to know what privileges and benefits PWDs are eligible for, the law requires all establishments to post signages of PWD privileges and benefits for guidance.

The act covers restaurants, recreation centers and lodging establishments. It is also applicable to purchases of medicines, medical and dental services; domestic air, sea and land transportation travel; and funeral and burial services.

The IRR tackles the rights of PWDs to social insurance through Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, educational assistance, special discounts on purchases of basic necessities and prime commodities and express lanes in all commercial and government institutions.

READ: Implementing rules of PWD law signed

The act provides tax incentives to people living with and caring for PWDs up to the fourth degree of relation.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said double discounts are not allowed. People who have PWD and senior citizen identification cards (IDs), both entitled to a 20 percent discount, will only be able to use either of the two.

To enjoy the extended benefits, PWDs should present their IDs from the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), the City/Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (C/MSWDO) or the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). They could also present their passports. RAM/rga