Camarines Sur-A significant legislative push was made by a lawmaker to ensure better accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWD) in commercial and governmental settings. Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. has called for the mandatory implementation of express or priority lanes designed specifically for PWD at all relevant establishments.: significant legislative push was made by a lawmaker to ensure better accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWD) in commercial and governmental settings. Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. has called for the mandatory implementation of express or priority lanes designed specifically for PWD at all relevant establishments.
According to Philippines News Agency, Villafuerte’s advocacy is supported by a legal opinion from the Department of Justice (DOJ), which interprets the rules of Republic Act (RA) No. 10754, also known as the Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability. DOJ Undersecreta
ry Raul Vasquez, representing Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, authored the seven-page document emphasizing the requirement for both private and public entities to facilitate these lanes.
The DOJ’s stance came as a response to an inquiry from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) following a complaint about the absence of priority lanes during a concert ticket sale. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) forwarded the complaint from Jan Danica Modequillo to the NCDA, which sought DOJ’s clarification on the applicability of express lane policies to non-essential services and limited-quantity items.
Villafuerte highlighted the DOJ’s interpretation that the law’s use of the term ‘all’ indicates a comprehensive application, not allowing exemptions based on the nature or availability of the items or services. This includes ensuring priority treatment in all transactions for PWD, regardless of whether they are deemed essential or involve items of limited quantity.
Furthermore, Villaf
uerte is advocating for House Bill (HB) 8223, proposing a PHP2,000 monthly disability allowance to support PWD financially. This bill aims to provide a consistent stipend to help PWD cope with living costs and promote their full integration into society. The proposed legislation mandates that the DSWD, in consultation with the NCDA and PWD representative organizations, establish a support program that reflects these goals.