ANGELES CITY – “To quote former president Ramon Magsaysay, ‘those who have less in life should have more in law.’ As a legislator, I consider it paramount to prioritize bills benefitting vulnerable sectors.”
Thus, said Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on Jan. 26 of his filing House Bill No. 7290, seeking to grant more privileges to Persons with Disability (PWDs) through the amendment of RA 7277 (Magna Carta for Persons with Disability).
Among the amendments proposed through HB 7290 is the provision of free assistive technology services, such as wheelchairs and walkers; prostheses; hearing aids; aids for the visually impaired and specialized computer software; and hardware and peripherals that increase mobility, hearing, vision, or communication capacities.
HB 7290 also mandates exemptions for PWDs from paying travel taxes, terminal fees, and other charges levied in airports and ports or other terminals by the government.
Also pursuant to HB 7290, at least 3% of positions in all government agencies, offices, or corporations shall be reserved for qualified PWDs. Meanwhile, private corporations with at least 100 employees are required to reserve at least 2% of all positions for qualified PWDs.
Private entities that employ PWD equivalent to at least 2% of their total number of employees shall also be entitled to an additional deduction from their gross income, equivalent to 25% of the total amount paid as salaries and wages to PWD personnel. Private entities that employ PWDs equivalent to at least 70% of their total number of employees shall be entitled to a deduction equivalent to 50%.
“With proper facilities and assistive devices, the PWD members of our community will be able to live their lives with the dignity they deserve,” Lazatin said. “Providing better employment opportunities to PWDs in both the government and private sectors will help them participate in nation-building and enhance their independence.”
Lazatin has been known to champion the well-being and welfare of the differently-abled members of the community.
During Lazatin’s time as Angeles City mayor, the city government regularly conducted distribution of five kilos of rice and P1,000 cash assistance to registered PWDs.
In the recent holiday season, Lazatin, in partnership with the Red Pillars Foundation, personally delivered food packages, each worth P500, and P1,000 cash assistance to 235 PWDs in Barangays Agapito Del Rosario and San Nicolas in Angeles City.
Red Pillars is a non-government organization headed by Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition IC Calaguas and Lazatin’s chief political affairs officer Reina Manuel. Team Lazatin Media
