‘Bam’ Aquino pushes bills to assist PWDs

Senator Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV on Saturday pushed for the passage of his two measures that support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and provide them with the needed assistance.

“We need to ensure that our PWDs are given proper assistance and opportunities to make a living,” said Aquino, who filed Senate Bill No. 356 and 1249 in the 17th Congress.

Aquino made the call a day before the International Day of PWDs, which is celebrated annually on Dec. 3.

Under Senate Bill No. 1249, government agencies and private offices must allot two and one percent of their workforce, respectively, to PWDs.

“This bill seeks to create more job opportunities for PWDs in the workforce and provide commensurate compensation, benefits and employment terms for PWDs as any other qualified employee,” Aquino said.

Senate Bill No. 356, on the other hand, aims to provide mandatory Philhealth coverage for PWDs, to ensure that their health is protected.

“Social services should be provided to those with the least in society. Health services should be provided to those who need it the most,” he pointed out.

The two measures seek to amend Republic Act No. 7277 or the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability” to accommodate the latest benefits and privileges for PWDs.

In the 16th Congress, Aquino worked for the welfare of PWDs as co-author of Republic Act No. 10754 in the Senate. The law exempts PWDs from paying the value added tax and gives tax incentives to persons with PWD dependents, up to fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.