GENERAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1 -​ Basic Principle

SECTION 1.​​Title.​ - This Act shall be known and cited as the "Magna Carta for Disabled Persons."

SECTION 2.​​Declaration of Policy.​ - The grant of the rights and privileges for disabled persons shall be
guided by the following principles:
1. Disabled persons are part of Philippine society, thus the State shall give full support to the
improvement of the total well-being of disabled persons and their integration into the
mainstream of society. Toward this end, the State shall adopt policies ensuring the
rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of disabled persons. It shall develop
their skills and potentials to enable them to compete favorably for available opportunities.

2. Disabled persons have the same rights as other people to take their proper place in
society. They should be able to live freely and as independently as possible. This must be
the concern of everyone the family, community and all government and non-government
organizations. Disabled persons' rights must never be perceived as welfare services by
the Government.
3. The rehabilitation of the disabled persons shall be the concern of the Government in order
to foster their capacity to attain a more meaningful, productive and satisfying life. To reach
out to a greater number of disabled persons, the rehabilitation services and benefits shall
be expanded beyond the traditional urban-based centers to community based programs,
that will ensure full participation of different sectors as supported by national and local
government agencies.
4. The State also recognizes the role of the private sector in promoting the welfare of
disabled persons and shall encourage partnership in programs that address their needs
and concerns.
5. To facilitate integration of disabled persons into the mainstream of society, the State shall
advocate for and encourage respect for disabled persons. The State shall exert all efforts
to remove all social, cultural, economic, environmental and attitudinal barriers that are
prejudicial to disabled persons.

SECTION 3.​​Coverage.​ - This Act shall cover all disabled persons and, to the extent herein provided,
departments, offices and agencies of the National Government or non-government organizations involved in
the attainment of the objectives of this Act.

SECTION 4.​​Definition of Terms.​ - For purposes of this Act, these terms are defined as follows:
1. Disabled Persons​ are those suffering from restriction or different abilities, as a result of a
mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the
range considered normal for a human being;
2. Impairment​ is any loss, diminution or aberration of psychological, physiological, or
anatomical structure or function;
3. Disability​ - shall mean (1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or
more psychological, physiological or anatomical function of an individual or activities of
such individual; (2) a record of such an impairment; or (3) being regarded as having such
an impairment;
4. Handicap​ - refers to a disadvantage for a given individual resulting from an impairment or
a disability, that limits or prevents the function or activity, that is considered normal given
the age and sex of the individual;
5. Rehabilitation​ - is an integrated approach to physical, social, cultural, spiritual, educational
and vocational measures that create conditions for the individual to attain the highest
possible level of functional ability;
6. Social Barriers​ - refer to the characteristics of institutions, whether legal, economic,
cultural, recreational or other, any human group, community, or society which limit the
fullest possible participation of disabled persons in the life of the group. Social barriers
include negative attitudes which tend to single out and exclude disabled persons and
which distort roles and inter-personal relationship;
7. Auxiliary Aids and Services​ include:

1. qualified interpreters or other effective methods of delivering

materials to individuals with hearing impairments;
2. qualified readers, taped tests, or other effective methods of delivering
materials to individuals with visual impairments;
3. acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and
4. other similar services and actions or all types of aids and services
that facilitate the learning process of people with mental disability;

8. Reasonable Accommodation​ include (1) improvement of existing facilities used by

employees in order to render these readily accessible to and usable by disabled persons;
and (2) modification of work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position, acquisition or
modification of equipment or devices, appropriate adjustments or modifications of
examinations, training materials or company policies, rules and regulations, the provision
of auxiliary aids and services, and other similar accommodations for disabled persons;
9. Sheltered Employment​ refers to the provision of productive work for disabled persons
through workshops providing special facilities, income-producing projects or homework
schemes with a view to giving them the opportunity to earn a living thus enabling them to
acquire a working capacity required in open industry.
10. Auxiliary Social Services​ are the supportive activities in the delivery of social services to
the marginalized sectors of society;
11. Marginalized Disabled Persons​ refer to disabled persons who lack access to rehabilitative
services and opportunities to be able to participate fully in socioeconomic activities and
who have no means of livelihood or whose incomes fall below the poverty threshold;
12. Qualified Individual with a Disability​ shall mean an individual with a disability who, with or
without reasonable accommodations, can perform the essential functions of the
employment position that such individual holds or desires. However, consideration shall
be given to the employer's judgement as to what functions of a job are essential, and if an
employer has prepared a written description before advertising or interviewing applicants
for the job, this description shall be considered evidence of the essential functions of the
job;
13. Readily Achievable​ means a goal can be easily attained and carried out without much
difficulty or expense. In determining whether an action is readily achievable, factors to be
considered include -

1. the nature and cost of the action;

2. the overall financial resources of the facility or facilities involved in the
action; the number of persons employed at such facility; the effect on
expenses and resources, or the impact otherwise of such action upon
the operation of the facility;
3. the overall financial resources of the covered entity with respect to
the number of its employees; the number, type and location of its
facilities; and
4. the type of operation or operations of the covered entity, including the
composition, structure and functions of the work force of such entity;
the geographic separateness, administrative or fiscal relationship of
the facility or facilities in question to the covered entity;

14. Public Transportation​ means transportation by air, land and sea that provides the public
with general or special service on a regular and continuing basis;
15. Covered entity​ means an employer, employment agency, labor organization or joint
labor-management committee; and
 16. Commerce​ shall be taken to mean as travel, trade, traffic, commerce, transportation, or
communication among the provinces or between any foreign country or any territory or
possession and any province.

TITLE TWO
RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF DISABLED PERSONS

CHAPTER 1 -​ Employment

SECTION 5.​​Equal Opportunity for Employment.​ - No disabled person shall be denied access to
opportunities for suitable employment. A qualified disabled employee shall be subject to the same terms
and conditions of employment and the same compensation, privileges, benefits, fringe benefits, incentives
or allowances as a qualified able bodied person.

Five percent (5%) of all casual, emergency and contractual positions in the Departments of Social Welfare
and Development; Health; Education, Culture and Sports; and other government agencies, offices or
corporations engaged in social development shall be reserved for disabled persons.

SECTION 6.​​Sheltered Employment​. - If suitable employment for disabled persons cannot be found through
open employment as provided in the immediately preceding Section, the State shall endeavor to provide it
by means of sheltered employment. In the placement of disabled persons in sheltered employment, it shall
accord due regard to the individual qualities, vocational goals and inclinations to ensure a good working
atmosphere and efficient production.

SECTION 7.​​Apprenticeship.​ - Subject to the provisions of the Labor Code as amended, disabled persons
shall be eligible as apprentices or learners: Provided, That their handicap is not much as to effectively
impede the performance of job operations in the particular occupation for which they are hired: Provided,
further, That after the lapse of the period of apprenticeship if found satisfactory in the job performance, they
shall be eligible for employment.

SECTION 8.​​Incentives for Employers.​ -

1. To encourage the active participation of the private sector in promoting the welfare of
disabled persons and to ensure gainful employment for qualified disabled persons,
adequate incentives shall be provided to private entities which employ disabled persons.
2. Private entities that employ disabled persons who meet the required skills or
qualifications, either as regular employee, apprentice or learner, shall be entitled to an
additional deduction, from their gross income, equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of
the total amount paid as salaries and wages to disabled persons: Provided, however,
 That such entities present proof as certified by the Department of Labor and Employment
that disabled persons are under their employ. Provided, further, That the disabled
employee is accredited with the Department of Labor and Employment and the
Department of Health as to his disability, skills and qualifications.
3. Private entities that improve or modify their physical facilities in order to provide
reasonable accommodation for disabled persons shall also be entitled to an additional
deduction from their net taxable income, equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the direct
costs of the improvements or modifications. This section, however, does not apply to
improvements or modifications of facilities required under Batas Pambansa Bilang 344.

SECTION 9.​​Vocational Rehabilitation.​ - Consistent with the principle of equal opportunity for disabled
workers and workers in general, the State shall take appropriate vocational rehabilitation measures that
shall serve to develop the skills and potentials of disabled persons and enable them to compete favorably
for available productive and remunerative employment opportunities in the labor market.

The State shall also take measures to ensure the provision of vocational rehabilitation and livelihood
services for disabled persons in the rural areas. In addition, it shall promote cooperation and coordination
between the government and nongovernmental organizations and other private entities engaged in
vocational rehabilitation activities.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall design and implement training programs that will
provide disabled persons with vocational skills to enable them to engage in livelihood activities or obtain
gainful employment. The Department of Labor and Employment shall likewise design and conduct training
programs geared towards providing disabled persons with skills for livelihood.

SECTION 10.​​Vocational Guidance and Counseling.​ - The Department of Social Welfare and Development
shall implement measures providing and evaluating vocational guidance and counseling to enable disabled
persons to secure, retain and advance in employment. It shall ensure the availability and training of
counselors and other suitably qualified staff responsible for the vocational guidance and counseling of
disabled persons.

SECTION 11.​​Implementing Rules and Regulations.​ - The Department of Labor and Employment shall in
coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and National Council for the
Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to implement
the provisions under this Chapter.

CHAPTER 2 -​ Education
SECTION 12.​​Access to Quality Education.​ - The State shall ensure that disabled persons are provided with
adequate access to quality education and ample opportunities to develop their skills. It shall take
appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all disabled persons. It shall be unlawful for any
learning institution to deny a disabled person admission to any course it offers by reason of handicap or
disability.

The State shall take into consideration the special requirements of disabled persons in the formulation of
educational policies and programs. It shall encourage learning institutions to take into account the special
needs of disabled persons with respect to the use of school facilities, class schedules, physical education
requirements, and other pertinent consideration.

The State shall also promote the provision by learning institutions, especially higher learning institutions, of
auxiliary services that will facilitate the learning process for disabled persons.

SECTION 13.​​Assistance to Disabled Students.​ - The State shall provide financial assistance to
economically marginalized but deserving disabled students pursuing post secondary or tertiary education.
Such assistance may be in the form of scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and other
incentives to qualified disabled students in both public and private schools. At least five percent (5%) of the
allocation for the Private Education Student Financial Assistance Program created by virtue of R.A. 6725
shall be set aside for disabled students pursuing vocational or technical and degree courses.

SECTION 14.​​Special Education.​ - The State shall establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate
and integrated system of special education for the visually impaired, hearing impaired, mentally retarded
persons and other types of exceptional children in all regions of the country. Toward this end, the
Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall establish special education classes in public schools in
cities, or municipalities. It shall also establish, where viable, Braille and Record Libraries in provinces, cities
or municipalities.

The National Government shall allocate funds necessary for the effective implementation of the special
education program nationwide. Local government units may likewise appropriate counterpart funds to
supplement national funds.

SECTION 15.​​Vocational or Technical and Other Training Programs.​ The State shall provide disabled
persons with training in civics, vocational efficiency, sports and physical fitness, and other skills. The
Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall establish in at least one government-owned vocational
and technical school in every province a special vocational and technical training program for disabled
persons. It shall develop and implement sports and physical fitness programs specifically designed for
disabled persons taking into consideration the nature of their handicap.
SECTION 16.​​Non-Formal Education.​ - The State shall develop non-formal education programs intended for
the total human development of disabled persons. It shall provide adequate resources for non-formal
education programs and projects that cater to the special needs of disabled persons.

SECTION 17.​​State Universities and Colleges.​ - If viable and needed, the State University or State College
in each region or province shall be responsible for (a) the development of material appliances and technical
aids for disabled persons; (b) the development of training materials for vocational rehabilitation and special
education instructions; and (c) the research on special problems, particularly of the visually-impaired,
hearing-impaired, speech-impaired, and orthopedically-impaired students, mentally retarded, and
multi-handicapped and others, and the elimination of social barriers and discrimination against disabled
persons; and (d) inclusion of the Special Education for Disabled (SPED) course in the curriculum.

The National Government shall provide these state universities and colleges with the necessary special
facilities for visually-impaired, hearing-impaired, speech-impaired, and orthopedically-impaired students. It
shall likewise allocate the necessary funds in support of the above.

CHAPTER 3 -​ Health

SECTION 18.​​National Health Program.​ - The Department of Health in coordination with the National
Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, shall institute a national health program which shall aim to
attain the following:

1. prevention of disability, whether occurring prenatally or post-natally;

2. recognition and early diagnosis of disability; and
3. early rehabilitation of the disabled.

SECTION 19.​​Rehabilitation Centers.​ - The Department of Health shall establish medical rehabilitation
centers in government provincial hospitals, and shall include in its annual appropriation the necessary funds
for the operation of such centers.

The Department of Health shall formulate and implement a program to enable marginalized disabled
persons to avail of free rehabilitation services in government hospitals.

SECTION 20.​​Health Services.​ - The State shall protect and promote the right to health of disabled persons
and shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to their health development which shall make
essential health services available to them at affordable cost.

The National Government shall provide an integrated health service for disabled persons which shall
include, but not limited to, the following:
 1. prevention of disability through immunization, nutrition, environmental protection and
preservation, and genetic counseling; and early detection of disability and timely
intervention to arrest disabling condition; and
2. medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The Department of Health shall field medical personnel specializing in the treatment and rehabilitation of
disabled persons to provincial hospitals and, when viable, to municipal health centers. It shall also train its
field health personnel in the provision of medical attention to disabled persons. It shall further ensure that its
field health units have the necessary capabilities to fit prosthetic and orthotic appliances on disabled
persons.

CHAPTER 4 -​ Auxiliary Social Services

SECTION 21.​​Auxiliary Social Services.​ - The State shall ensure that marginalized persons are provided
with the necessary auxiliary services that will restore their social functioning and participation in community
affairs. Toward this end, the Department of Social Welfare and Development shall develop and implement
programs on auxiliary social services that respond to the needs of marginalized disabled persons. The
components of such a program shall be as follows:

1. assistance in the acquisition of prosthetic devices and medical intervention of specialty

services;
2. provision of specialized training activities designed to improve functional limitations of
disabled persons related to communication skills;
3. development among disabled persons of a positive self-image through the provision of
counseling, orientation and mobility and strengthening daily living capability;
4. provision of family care services geared towards developing the capability of families to
respond to the needs of the disabled members of the family;
5. provision of substitute family care services and the facilities therefor for abandoned,
neglected, abused and unattached disabled persons who need custodial care;
6. provision of after care and follow-up services for the continued rehabilitation in a
community-based setting of disabled persons who were released from residential care or
rehabilitation centers; and
7. provision of day care services for disabled children of pre-school age.
CHAPTER 5 -​ Telecommunications

SECTION 22.​​Broadcast Media.​ - Television stations shall be encouraged to provide a sign language inset
or subtitles in at least one (1) newscast program a day and special programs covering events of national
significance.

SECTION 23.​​Telephone Services.​ - All telephone companies shall be encouraged to install special
telephone devices or units for the hearing-impaired and ensure that they are commercially available to
enable them to communicate through the telephone system.

SECTION 24.​​Free Postal Charges for the Disabled.​ - Postal charges shall be free on the following:

1. articles and literatures like books and periodicals, orthopedic and other devices, and
teaching aids for the use of the disabled sent by mail within the Philippines and abroad;
and
2. aids and orthopedic devices for the disabled sent abroad by mail for repair;

Provided, That the aforesaid items are for personal purposes only: Provided further, That the disabled
person is a marginalized disabled as certified by the Social Welfare and Development Office of the local
government unit concerned or the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

CHAPTER 6 -​ Accessibility

SECTION 25.​​Barrier-Free Environment.​ - The State shall ensure the attainment of a barrier-free
environment that will enable disabled persons to have access in public and private buildings and
establishments and such other places mentioned in Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, otherwise known as the
"Accessibility Law."

The national and local governments shall allocate funds for the provision of architectural facilities or
structural features for disabled persons in government buildings and facilities.

SECTION 26.​​Mobility.​ - The State shall promote the mobility of disabled persons. Disabled persons shall be
allowed to drive motor vehicles, subject to the rules and regulations issued by the Land Transportation
Office pertinent to the nature of their disability and the appropriate adaptations or modifications made on
such vehicles.

SECTION 27.​​Access to Public Transport Facilities.​ - The Department of Social Welfare and Development
shall develop a program to assist marginalized disabled persons gain access in the use of public transport
facilities. Such assistance may be in the form of subsidized transportation fare.
The said department shall also allocate such funds as may be necessary for the effective implementation of
the public transport program for the disabled persons.

The "Accessibility Law," as amended, shall be made supplementary to this Act.

SECTION 28.​​Implementing Rules and Regulations.​ - The Department of Transportation and

Communications shall formulate the rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this
Chapter.

CHAPTER 7 -​ Political and Civil Rights

SECTION 29.​​ S​ystem of Voting.​ - Disabled persons shall be allowed to be assisted by a person of his
choice in voting in the national or local elections. The person thus chosen shall prepare the ballot for the
disabled voter inside the voting booth. The person assisting shall bind himself in a formal document under
oath to fill out the ballot strictly in accordance with the instructions of the voter and not to reveal the contents
of the ballot prepared by him. Violation of this provision shall constitute an election offense.

Polling places should be made accessible to disabled persons during national or local elections.

SECTION 30.​​Right to Assemble.​ - Consistent with the provisions of the Constitution, the State shall
recognize the right of disabled persons to participate in processions, rallies, parades, demonstrations, public
meetings, and assemblages or other forms of mass or concerted action held in public.

SECTION 31.​​Right to Organize.​ - The State recognizes the right of disabled persons to form organizations
or associations that promote their welfare and advance or safeguard their interests. The National
Government, through its agencies, instrumentalities and subdivisions, shall assist disabled persons in
establishing self-help organizations by providing them with the necessary technical and financial assistance.

Concerned government agencies and offices shall establish close linkages with organizations of disabled
persons in order to respond expeditiously to the needs of disabled persons. National line agencies and local
government units shall assist disabled persons in setting up specific projects that will be managed like
business propositions.

To ensure the active participation of disabled persons in the social and economic development of the
country, their organizations shall be encouraged to participate in the planning, organization and
management of government programs and projects for disabled persons.

Organizations of disabled persons shall participate in the identification and preparation of programs that
shall serve to develop employment opportunities for the disabled persons.
 TITLE THREE

PROHIBITION ON DISCRIMINATION AGAINST DISABLED PERSONS

CHAPTER 1 -​ Discrimination on Employment

SECTION 32.​​Discrimination on Employment.​ - No entity, whether public or private, shall discriminate

against a qualified disabled person by reason of disability in regard to job application procedures, the hiring,
promotion, or discharge of employees, employee compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions,
and privileges of employment. The following constitute acts of discrimination:

1. Limiting, segregating or classifying a disabled job applicant in such a manner that

adversely affects his work opportunities;
2. Using qualification standards, employment tests or other selection criteria that screen out
or tend to screen out a disabled person unless such standards, tests or other selection
criteria are shown to be job-related for the position in question and are consistent with
business necessity;
3. Utilizing standards, criteria, or methods of administration that:

1. have the effect of discrimination on the basis of disability, or

2. perpetuate the discrimination of others who are subject to common
administrative control:

4. Providing less compensation, such as salary, wage or other forms of remuneration and
fringe benefits, to a qualified disabled employee, by reason of his disability, than the
amount to which a non-disabled person performing the same work is entitled;
5. Favoring a non-disabled employee over a qualified disabled employee with respect to
promotion, training opportunities, study and scholarship grants, solely on account of the
latter's disability;
6. Re-assigning or transferring a disabled employee to a job or position he cannot perform
by reason of his disability;
7. Dismissing or terminating the services of a disabled employee by reason of his disability
unless the employer can prove that he impairs the satisfactory performance of the work
involved to the prejudice of the business entity: Provided, however, That the employer first
sought to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled persons;
8. Failing to select or administer in the most effective manner employment tests which
accurately reflect the skills, aptitude or other factor of the disabled applicant or employee
that such test purports to measure, rather than the impaired sensory, manual or speaking
skills of such applicant or employee, if any; and
 9. Excluding disabled persons from membership in labor unions or similar organizations.

SECTION 33.​​Employment Entrance Examination.​ - Upon an offer of employment, a disabled applicant may
be subjected to medical examination, on the following occasions:

1. all entering employees are subjected to such an examination regardless of disability;

2. information obtained during the medical condition or history of the applicant is collected
and maintained on separate forms and in separate medical files and is treated as a
confidential medical record, Provided, however, That:

1. supervisors and managers may be informed regarding necessary

restrictions on the work or duties of the employees and necessary
accommodations;
2. first aid and safety personnel may be informed, when appropriate, if
the disability might require emergency treatment;
3. government officials investigating compliance with this Act shall be
provided relevant information on request; and
4. the results of such examination are used only in accordance with this
Act.

CHAPTER 2 -​ Discrimination on Transportation

SECTION 34.​​ Public Transportation. It shall be considered discrimination for the franchisees or operators
and personnel of sea, land, and air transportation facilities to charge higher fare or to refuse to convey a
passenger, his orthopedic devices, personal effects, and merchandise by reason of his disability.

CHAPTER 3 -​ Discrimination on the Use of Public Accommodations and Services

SECTION 35.​​Public Accommodations and Services.​ - For purposes of this Chapter, public accommodations
and services shall include the following:

1. an inn, hotel, motel, or other place of lodging, except for an establishment located within a
building that contains not more than five (5) rooms for rent or hire and that is actually
occupied by the proprietor of such establishment as the residence of such proprietor;
2. a restaurant, bar, or other establishment serving food or drink;
3. a motion picture, theatre, concert hall, stadium, or other place of exhibition or
entertainment;
4. an auditorium, convention center, lecture hall, or other place of public gathering;
 5. a bakery, grocery store, hardware store, shopping center, or other sales or rental
establishment;
6. a bank, barber-shop, beauty-shop, travel service, funeral parlor, gas station, office of a
lawyer, pharmacy, insurance office, professional office of a health care provider, hospital
or other service establishment;
7. a terminal, depot, or other station used for specified public transportation;
8. a museum, gallery, library or other place of public display or collection;
9. a park, zoo, amusement park, or other place of recreation;
10. a nursery, elementary, secondary, undergraduate, or post-graduate private school, or
other place of education;
11. a gymnasium, health spa, bowling alley, golf course,; or
12. other place of exercise or recreation.

SECTION 36.​​Discrimination on the Use of Public Accommodation.​ -

1. No disabled persons shall be discriminated on the basis of disability in the full and equal
enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages or accommodations of
any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases, or operates a place
of public accommodation. The following constitute acts of discrimination:

1. denying a disabled person, directly or through contractual, licensing,

or other arrangement, the opportunity to participate in or benefit from
the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or
accommodations of an entity by reason of his disability;
2. affording a disabled person, on the basis of his disability, directly or
through contractual, licensing, or other arrangement, with the
opportunity to participate in or benefit from a good, service, facility,
privilege, advantage, or accommodation that is not equal to that
afforded to other able-bodied persons; and
3. providing a disabled person, on the basis of his disability, directly or
through contractual, licensing, or other arrangement, with a good,
service, facility, advantage, privilege, or accommodation that is
different or separate from that provided to other able-bodied persons
unless such action is necessary to provide the disabled person with a
good, service, facility, advantage, privilege, or accommodation, or
other opportunity that is as effective as that provided to others;
2. For purposes of this section, the term "individuals or class of individuals" refers to the
clients or customers of the covered public accommodation that enters into the contractual,
licensing or other arrangement.
3. Integrated Settings - Goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and
accommodations shall be afforded to an individual with a disability in the most integrated
setting appropriate to the needs of the individual.
4. Opportunity to Participate - Notwithstanding the existence of separate or different
programs or activities provided in accordance with this section, an individual with a
disability shall not be denied the opportunity to participate in such programs or activities
that are not separate or different.
5. Association - It shall be discriminatory to exclude or otherwise deny equal goods,
services, facilities, advantages, privileges, accommodations or other opportunities to an
individual or entity because of the known disability of an individual with whom the
individual or entity is known to have a relationship or association.
6. Prohibitions - For purposes of this Section, the following shall be considered as
discriminatory:

1. the imposition or application of eligibility criteria that screen out or

tend to screen out an individual with a disability or any class or
individuals with disabilities from fully and equally enjoying any goods,
services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations,
unless such criteria can be shown to be necessary for the provision
of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, or accommodations being
offered;
2. a failure to make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or
procedures, when such modifications are necessary to afford such
goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or
accommodations to individuals with disabilities, unless the entity can
demonstrate that making such modifications would fundamentally
alter the nature of the goods, facilities, services, privileges,
advantages, or accommodations;
3. failure to take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that no
individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or
otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the
absence of auxiliary aids and services, unless the entity can
demonstrate that taking such steps would fundamentally alter the
 nature of the good, service, facility, privilege, advantage or
accommodation being offered or would result in undue burden;
4. a failure to remove architectural barriers, and communication barriers
that are structural in nature, in existing facilities, where such removal
is readily achievable; and
5. where an entity can demonstrate that the removal of a barrier under
clause (4) is not readily achievable, a failure to make such goods,
services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations
available through alternative methods if such methods are readily
achievable.

SECTION 37.​​Use of Government Recreational or Sports Centers Free of Charge.​ - Recreational or sports
centers owned or operated by the Government shall be used, free of charge, by marginalized disabled
persons during their social, sports or recreation activities.

SECTION 38.​​Implementing Rules and Regulations.​ - The Department of Public Works and Highways shall
formulate the rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Chapter.

TITLE FOUR

FINAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 39.​​Housing Program.​ - The National Government shall take into consideration in its national
shelter program the special housing requirements of disabled persons.

SECTION 40.​​Role of National Agencies and Local Government Units.​ - Local government units shall
promote the establishment of organizations of disabled persons in their respective territorial jurisdictions.
National agencies and local government units may enter into joint ventures with organizations or
associations of disabled persons to explore livelihood opportunities and other undertakings that shall
enhance the health, physical fitness and the economic and social well-being of disabled persons.

SECTION 41.​​Support from Nongovernment Organizations.​ - Nongovernment organizations or private

volunteer organizations dedicated to the purpose of promoting and enhancing the welfare of disabled
persons shall, as they are hereby encouraged, become partners of the Government in the implementation
of vocational rehabilitation measures and other related programs and projects. Accordingly, their
participation in the implementation of said measures, programs and projects is to be extended all possible
support by the Government.
The Government shall sponsor a volunteer service program which shall harness the involvement of private
individuals in the provision of assistance to disabled persons.

SECTION 42.​​Tax Incentives.​ -

1. Any donation, bequest, subsidy or financial aid which may be made to government
agencies engaged in the rehabilitation of disabled persons and organizations of disabled
persons shall be exempt from the donor's tax subject to the provisions of Section 94 of the
National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended and shall be allowed as deductions
from the donor's gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income subject to
the provisions of Section 29 (h) of the Code.
2. Donations from foreign countries shall be exempt from taxes and duties on importation
subject to the provisions of Section 105 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines,
as amended, Section 103 of the NIRC, as amended and other relevant laws and
international agreements.
3. Local manufacturing of technical aids and appliances used by disabled persons shall be
considered as a preferred area of investment subject to the provisions of Executive Order
No. 226 otherwise known as the "Omnibus Investments Code of 1987" and, as such, shall
enjoy the rights, privileges and incentives as provided in said Code such as, but not
limited, to the following:

1. repatriation of investments;
2. remittance of earnings;
3. remittance of payments on foreign contracts;
4. freedom from expropriations;
5. freedom from requisition of investment;
6. income tax holiday;
7. additional deduction for labour expense;
8. tax and duty exemption on imported capital equipment;
9. tax credit on domestic capital equipment;
10. exemption from contractor's tax;
11. simplification of customs procedures;
12. unrestricted use of consigned equipment;
13. employment of foreign nationals;
14. tax credit for taxes and duties on raw materials;
15. access to bonded manufacturing/trading warehouse system;
16. exemption from taxes and duties on imported spare parts; and
 17. exemption from wharfage dues and any export tax, duty, impost and
fee.

SECTION 43.​​Continuity Clause.​ - Should any department or agency tasked with the enforcement or
formulation of rules and regulations and guidelines for implementation of any provision of this Act is
abolished, merged with another department or agency or modified, such shall not affect the enforcement or
formulation of rules, regulations and guidelines for implementation of this Act to the effect that

1. In case of abolition, the department or agency established to replace the abolished

department or agency shall take-over the functions under this Act of the abolished
department or agency.
2. In case the department or agency tasked with the enforcement or formulation of rules,
regulations and guidelines for implementation of this Act is merged with another
department or agency, the former shall continue the functions under this Act of the
merged department or agency.
3. In case of modification, the department or agency modified shall continue the functions
under this Act of the department or agency that has undergone modification.

SECTION 44.​​Enforcement by the Secretary of Justice.​ -

1. Denial of Right

1. Duty to Investigate the Secretary of Justice shall investigate alleged

violations of this Act, and shall undertake periodic reviews of
compliance of covered entities under this Act.

2. Potential Violations If the Secretary of Justice has reasonable cause to believe that -

1. any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern or practice of

discrimination under this Act; or
2. any person or group of persons has been discriminated against under
this Act and such discrimination raises an issue of general public
importance, the Secretary of Justice may commence a legal action in
any appropriate court.

SECTION 45.​​Authority of Court.​ - The court may grant any equitable relief that such court considers to be
appropriate, including, to the extent required by this Act:

1. granting temporary, preliminary or permanent relief;

 2. providing an auxiliary aid or service, modification of policy, practice or procedure, or
alternative method; and
3. making facilities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

SECTION 46.​​Penal Clause.​ -

1. Any person who violates any provision of this Act shall suffer the following penalties:

1. for the first violation, a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos
(P50,000.00) but not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not
more than two (2) years, or both at the discretion of the court; and
2. for any subsequent violation, a fine of not less than One hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not exceeding Two hundred
thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or imprisonment for not less than two
(2) years but not more than six (6) years, or both at the discretion of
the court.

2. Any person who abuses the privileges granted herein shall be punished with
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months or a fine of not less than Five thousand
pesos (P5,000.00) but not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), or both, at the
discretion of the court.
3. If the violator is a corporation, organization or any similar entity, the officials thereof
directly involved shall be liable therefor.
4. If the violator is an alien or a foreigner, he shall be deported immediately after service of
sentence without further deportation proceedings.

SECTION 47.​​Appropriations.​ - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be
included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

SECTION 48.​​Separability Clause.​ - Should any provision of this Act be found unconstitutional by a court of
law, such provisions shall be severed from the remainder of the Act, and such action shall not affect the
enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Act.

SECTION 49.​​Repealing Clause.​ - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders and rules and regulations
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 50.​​Effectivity.​ - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in any two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.
Approved: March 24, 1992

(Signed)

CORAZON C. AQUINO

President of the Philippines

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE MAGNA CARTA FOR DISABLED PERSONS
(Republic Act No. 7277)

RULE I

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Abandoned,
an abandoned disabled person is one who has no proper parental care or guardianship, or whose
parents or guardians have deserted him for a period of at least six continuous months.

Abused
an abused disabled person is one who has been maltreated, raped, or seduced, exploited and
overworked or made to work under conditions not conducive to good health. He/She is made to be in
the street or public places, and is exposed to moral danger.

Accreditation
means the Certification given by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) recognizing the disability, skills, and qualifications of a disabled worker.

Adapted Physical Education

therapeutic application of physical education to rehabilitate learners with special needs whose
functional deficiencies are amenable to improvement through exercise. Adapted physical education
programs should be planned and implemented in coordination with psychological and medical
services.

Affordable Cost
the lowest amount charged to a person that meet the criteria for affordability as determined under
existing policies of the Department of Health.
Apprentice
means a worker who is covered by a written Apprenticeship Agreement with an individual employer.

Apprenticeable Occupation
means any trade, form of employment or occupation which requires more than three (3) months of
practical on-the-job training supplemented by related theoretical instruction.

Apprenticeship
means on-the-job practical training supplemented by related theoretical instruction.

Apprenticeship Agreement
means a written employment contract in which the employer binds himself to train the apprentice and
the apprentice in turn agrees to work for the employer.

Auditory Training
the procedure of teaching persons with hearing impairments, to make full use of their residual hearing
ability.

Auxiliary
a. offering, providing help, assistance or support
b. functioning in a subsidiary capacity; augmenting or available to augment a basic power, potential,
or ability; supplementary

Auxiliary Aids and Services include:

1. Qualified interpreters or other effective methods of delivering materials to individuals with hearing

impairments;

2. Qualified readers, taped tests, or other effective methods of delivering materials to individuals with
visual impairments;

3. Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and

4. Other similar services and actions or all types of aids and services that facilitate the learning
process of people with mental disability.
Auxiliary Social Services

are the supportive activities in the delivery of social services to the marginalized sectors of society.

Basic Medical Services

services rendered to disabled patients within the competence and capability of DOH health facilities
which include health examinations, medical/surgical procedures, regular dental care and selected
procedures, routine/special laboratory examinations, and ancillary procedures as required.

Cognitive Skills

refers to the ability to see, perceive, understand, and see the relationship between ideas and facts.

Commerce

shall be taken to mean as travel, trade, traffic, commerce, transportation, or communication among
the provinces or between any foreign country or any territory or possession and any province.

Community-Based Rehabilitation

rehabilitation measures taken at the community level that use and build on the resources of the
community, including the impaired, disabled and handicapped persons themselves, their families, and
their community as a whole.

Complete, Adequate and Integrated System of Special Education

educational program that caters to various types of learners with special needs from preschool to
tertiary levels and in either formal or nonformal programs that are complementary, mutually
reinforcing and of comparable standards.

Covered Entity

means an employer, employment agency, labor organization or joint labor-management committee.

Customized Vehicle
 a vehicle manufactured, reconstituted or reassembled to suit the particular user according to his
personal requirements, needs or desire.

Depot

an area where facilities for storing, classifying and sorting of goods/cargoes are provided. It may be a
part or separate from the terminal and serves as a place for storing of the transport facility, fueling,
clearing, inspection, and repair.

Disability

shall mean (1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more psychological,
physiological or anatomical function of an individual or activities of such individual; 2) a record of such
an impairment; or 3) being regarded as having such an impairment.

Disabled Gifted

persons who demonstrate superior performance capabilities in intellectual creative, specific academic
areas, leadership, or in the arts in spite of physical, sensory or psychosocial disabilities.

Disabled Persons

those suffering from restriction of different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory
impairment, in performing an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a
human being.

Disabled Worker

means a worker whose earning capacity is impaired by mental, physical or sensory deficiency or
injury.

Employment Agreement

means the contract of employment entered into between the employer and the disabled worker.

Formal Education
 refers to hierarchically structured and chronologically graded learnings organized and provided by the
formal school system and for which certification is required in order for the learner to progress through
the grades or moved higher level (P.B. 232 Education Act 1982)

Fits/Seizures

a neurologic condition characterized by sudden loss of consciousness coupled with sudden

uncontrollable movements.

Functional

- relating directly to everyday needs and interests;

- concerned with application in activity;

- practical;

- performing or able to perform its regular function.

Handicap

refers to a disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from an impairment or a disability, that limits
or prevents the function or activity, that is considered normal given the age and sex of the individual.

Handicapped

a disadvantaged individual suffering from an impairment or a disability that limits or prevents a

function or activity that is considered normal, given the age and sex of the handicapped individual.

Impairment

is any loss, diminution or aberration of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or

function.

Income Producing Projects or Homework Schemes

 means the work and services that a disabled person can adequately and preferentially do or provide
in sheltered workshops or in or about the disabled persons homes that will provide them the
opportunity to earn a living and acquire a working capacity required in open industry.

Independent Living

the degree to which a disabled person is able to maintain himself independently in the community and
in gainful employment.

Indigent

a disabled person whose level of income falls below the poverty threshold.

Learners

means persons hired as trainees in semi-skilled and other industrial occupations which are
non-apprenticeable and which may be learned through practical training on-the-job in a relatively
short period of time which shall not exceed three months.

Learner with Special Needs

a person who differs significantly from the average learner in (a) mental characteristics; (b) sensory
abilities; (c) neuromuscular or physical characteristics; (d) psychosocial characteristics; or has
multiple handicaps or has chronic illness; and or has a developmental lag to such an extent that he
requires modified or specialized instruction and services in order to develop to his maximum
capability.

Learning Disabled

persons who, although normal in sensory, emotional and intellectual abilities, exhibit disorders in
perception, listening, thinking, reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic.

Learning Institution (LI)

any educational institution managed or owned by the government, a private individual, a corporation
or any legal entity which caters to children, youth and adults with special needs. A learning institution
 may be day or residential in nature and may be based either in the home, hospital, school or
community. Included here are rehabilitation agencies, sheltered workshops, day care centers and
entities of similar nature.

Local Government Unit

refers to the municipality, city, province or to any political subdivision of the national government as
defined by law.

Marginalized Disabled Persons

refer to disabled persons who lack access to rehabilitative services and opportunities to be able to
participate fully in socio-economic activities and who have no means of livelihood or whose incomes
fall below the poverty threshold.

Mental Disability

disability resulting from organic brain syndromes (example: mental retardation, acquired lesions of the
central nervous system, dementia) and mental illnesses (psychotic and non-psychotic disorders).

Multi-handicapped

persons with more than one disability such as those with mental retardation-blindness mental
retardation-orthopedic handicap, deafness-blindness and others.

Neglected

a neglected disabled person is one whose basic needs have been deliberately unattended or
inadequately attended. As a result, the disabled person is either malnourished, ill clad or without
proper shelter.

Nonformal Education

any unstructured educational activity which takes place outside the established formal education
system. It is designed to complement or extend as well as provide an alternative to the formal
education.
Normalization

a principle in SPED where learners with special needs are provided with an educational and living
environment as close as possible to what is ordinarily enjoyed by most people.

Orthopedically Handicapped

persons whose impairment interferes either permanently or temporarily, with the normal functioning of
the joints, muscles or limbs.

Persons with Autism

a developmental disability, having onset before 30 months of age which is marked by disturbance in
development, language and relationships with persons, activities and objects.

Persons with Behavioral Problems

those who cannot adjust to the socially accepted norms of behavior and, consequently, disrupt their
academic progress, the learning efforts of their classmates, and interpersonal relations. Their
emotional and social development is so seriously impaired that they cannot benefit from instruction in
an ordinary class.

Persons with Hearing Impairment

those with auditory disabilities ranging from mild to profound hearing loss.

Persons with Mental Retardation

those with significant sub-average general intellectual functioning which originates during the
developmental period, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior like maturation, learning
and social adjustment.

Persons with Visual Impairment

those with visual disabilities ranging from partial to total loss of vision.

Physiatrist
 a doctor of medicine with specialized training in rehabilitation medicine.

Prevocational Skills

refer to preparatory activities designed to equip the learner with readiness skills for formal vocational
training.

Private Practitioner

Physicians, physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists,

psychologists, and other professionals engaged in private practice.

Program Modification

refers to any adjustments in the educational program and/or services for learners with special needs
in order to facilitate their learning. Modifications and adjustments may be done in such aspects as
classroom program, services and facilities, class schedule, curricular scope and sequence, teaching
objectives, teaching strategies, instructional materials, facilities and equipment.

Psychosocial

comes from the words psychological and social; inter-relationship of the psychological aspects
pertaining to the thoughts, feelings, reactions, behavior of a person with the social aspects pertaining
to the situation, circumstances, events, relationships, other people which influence or affect the
person sometimes to the point of causing distress.

Public Transportation

means transportation by air, land and sea that provides the public with general or special service on a
regular and continuing basis.

Public Transport Facility

shall be defined as utilities of public transport operators engaged in the transportation of passengers
on land, air and water, with or without fixed route of any class or service. Facilities shall include,
 among others, the conveyances, terminals and other areas where people converge to wait for such
conveyances.

Qualified Individual with a Disability

shall mean an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodations, can
perform the essential functions of the employment position that such individual holds or desires.
However, consideration shall be given to the employer's judgment as to what functions of a job are
essential, and if an employer has prepared a written description before advertising or interviewing
applicants for the job, this description shall be considered evidence of the essential functions of the
job.

Quality Education

a learning process that makes the individual a better person and prepares him to cope with rapid
social change with appropriate skills and positive values leading to productive and meaningful life as
a responsible citizen.

Readily Achievable

means a goal can be easily attained and carried out without much difficulty or expense. In
determining whether an action is readily achievable, factors to be considered include

1. the nature and cost of the action;

2. the overall financial resources of the facility or facilities involved in the action; the
number of persons employed at such facility; the affect on expenses and
resources, or the impact otherwise of such action upon the operation of the
facility;
3. the overall financial resources of the covered entity with respect to the number of
its employees; the number, type and location of its facilities; and
4. the type of operation or operations of the covered entity, including the
composition, structure and functions of the work force of such entity; the
geographic separateness, administrative or fiscal relationship of the facility or
facilities in question to the covered entity.

Reasonable Accommodation
 includes 1) improvement of existing facilities used by employees in order to render these readily
accessible to and usable by disabled persons; and 2) modification of work schedules, reassignment
to a vacant position, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, appropriate adjustments or
modifications of examinations, training materials or company policies, rules and regulations, the
provision of auxiliary aids and services, and other similar accommodations for disabled persons.

Rehabilitation

an integrated approach to physical, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual, educational, or vocational

measures that create conditions for the individual to attain the highest possible level of functional
ability.

Research on Special Problems

studies conducted on special education and related aspects such as: (a) conducted curriculum for
particular types of competencies, learners with special needs, (b) teaching strategies, (c) teachers'
competencies, (d) materials development, (e) nature and needs of particular types of learners with
special needs, (f) assessment of learners with special needs, (g) programs and services and (h)
adaptation in facilities and equipment.

Sheltered Employment

means the provision of productive work for disabled persons through workshops providing special
facilities, income-producing projects or homework schemes with a view of giving the disabled the
opportunity to earn a living thus enabling them to acquire a working capacity required in open
industry.

Sheltered Workshop

refers to the places with special facilities for disabled workers, where income producing projects or
homework schemes are available for the disabled to earn a living and acquire a working capacity
required in open industry.

Social Barriers
 refer to the characteristics of institutions, whether legal, economic, cultural, recreational or other, any
human group, community, or society which limit the fullest possible participation of disabled persons
in the life of the group. Social barriers include negative attitudes which tend to single out and exclude
disabled persons and which distort roles and inter-personal relationships.

Special Class

refers to a class generally for one type of learner with special needs organized within the regular
school and taught by a SPED teacher.

Special Education (SPED)

that type of education specifically designed for learners with special needs who can not profit
maximally from regular education such that they require trained personel, modifications in the
curricula, teaching methods, instructional materials and adaptations in facilities and equipment.

Special Education Needs

take the form of the need for one or more of the following: (a) the provision of special means of
access to the curriculum through special equipment, facilities or resources, modification of the
physical environment or specialized teaching techniques; (b) provision of a special or modified
curriculum; (c) particular attention to the social structure and emotional climate in which education
takes place (UNESCO, World Education Report, 1991)

Special Education Teacher

professionally trained educators teaching learners with special needs.

Special Facilities

means the special environment devoid of architectural and attitudinal or social barriers that further
incapacitate a disabled person to function as able as possible. Said facilities, likewise, refer to special
equipment, gadgets, machineries and tools of production adapted to the residual capabilities of
disabled persons.

Specialty
 - a particular, peculiar, or individual circumstance, detail or characteristic;

- a distinctive or sometimes a restrictive mark or quality

State University and Colleges

refer to duly established learning or educational institutions.

Stations

are designated covered or uncovered areas on the road or highways, railways, seaports, and airports
along a route structure intended for loading and unloading passengers and cargo/es for a limited
period of time where minimum passenger amenities are provided.

Suitable Employment

means the jobs or occupations appropriate to the needs of disabled persons and which enhance their
skills and provide them with better opportunities for employment.

Technical Aids

include equipment, devices and appliances that are used in the prevention, treatment and
rehabilitation of disabilities.

Terminal

refers to public terminal of different modes usually located at both ends of the route structure and/or
part of the turning point where passengers merge to enter/exit from public conveyances and transfer
to other modes. It is commonly provided with facilities for lay-over, inspection and repair areas as well
as passenger amenities such as restaurants, rest rooms and lounges. Terminals may include airports,
ports and harbours, LRT, PNR, bus and jeepney terminals which may vary from a simple shelter to a
multi-level structure.

Total Communication Approach

a system of communication which incorporates aural, oral and manual modes of communication
involving speech and speechreading, finger spelling and sign language, reading and writing which
 may be used singly or in multiple combinations to ensure effective interaction with other people and
among persons with hearing impairment.

Unattached

an unattached disabled person is one who is without a parent, guardian or custodian, and is
dependent upon the public for support.

Vocational Efficiency

level of vocational proficiency and competency which when attained enables a person to work on an
equal footing with other people with similar background and training.

Vocational Training

refers to the teaching of relevant occupational skills geared towards gainful employment.

RULE II

SECTION 1. Equal Opportunity for Employment

1.1​​Opportunity for suitable employment.​ - Opportunity for suitable employment shall be open to all
qualified disabled persons. Efforts shall be exerted to provide qualified disabled persons equal
opportunity in the selection process based on qualification standards prescribed for appointment to a
position.

1.2​​Discrimination in employment.​ - No individual or entity, whether public or private, shall discriminate

against a qualified disabled person by reason of disability in regard to job application procedures; the
hiring, promotion, or discharge of employees; employee compensation, job training, and other terms
and conditions of employment. The following constitute acts of discrimination:

(a) Limiting, segregating or classifying a disabled job applicant in such manner that
adversely affects his work opportunities;
(b) Using qualification standards, employment tests or other selection criteria that rule out or
tend to rule out a disabled person unless such standards, tests or other selection criteria are
shown to be job-related for the position in question and are consistent with business
necessity;

(c) Utilizing standards, criteria or methods of administration that:

1. have the effect of discrimination on the basis of disability; or

2. perpetuate the discrimination of others who are subject to common
administrative control;

(d) Providing a lower compensation, salary, wage or other forms of remuneration and fringe
benefits to a qualified disabled employee by reason of his disability as compared to a worker
performing the same type and amount of work but who is not disabled;

(e) Favoring a non-disabled employee over a qualified disabled employee with respect to
promotion, training opportunities, study and scholarship grants, solely on account of the
latter's disability;

(f) Re-assigning or transferring a disabled employee to a job or position he cannot perform

by reason of his disability;

(g) Dismissing or terminating the services of a disabled employee by reason of his disability
unless the employer can prove that the satisfactory performance of the work involved is
impaired by reason of the disability to the prejudice of the business entity; provided,
however, that the employer has first exerted effort to provide reasonable accommodations
for the disabled worker;
 (h) Failing to select or administer in the most effective manner employment tests which
accurately reflect or measure the skills, aptitude or positive traits of the disabled applicant or
employee rather than the impaired sensory, manual or speaking capabilities of such
applicant or employee, if any; and

(i) Excluding disabled persons from membership in labor unions or similar organizations.

1.3​​Pre-employment medical examination.​ -Upon an offer of employment, a disabled applicant may be

subjected to a medical examination subject to the following conditions:

(a) All workers to be hired are subjected to such medical examination regardless of whether
or not they are disabled;

(b) Information obtained concerning the medical condition or history of the applicant is
collected and maintained in separate forms and in separate medical files and is treated as
confidential medical information, provided, however, that:

1. supervisors and managers may be advised of a medical finding

regarding the applicant if it will result in impairment of the work or duties
of the employees or will require the installation of special facilities;
2. first aid and safety personnel may also be informed of the medical
finding, when appropriate, if the disability will require emergency
treatment;
3. the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment or his duly
authorized representative investigating compliance with this Act shall be
provided relevant information on request; and
 4. the results of such medical examination shall be used only in
accordance with this Act.

1.4​​Compensation and other benefits.​ - The disabled employee shall receive the same compensation,
privileges, fringe benefits, incentives or allowances and other employee benefits as any other
qualified employee.

1.5​​Reserved positions for the disabled.​ - Subject to existing laws and regulations, the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); DOH; Department of Education, Culture and Sports
(DECS); and other government agencies, offices or corporations engaged in social development,
shall reserve five percent (5%) of all their casual, emergency and contractual positions for
employment of disabled persons.

SECTION 2. Sheltered Employment

2.1​​Provisions of sheltered employment.​ - The State shall provide sheltered employment to the
disabled if suitable employment is not available in the open labor market. In the placement of disabled
persons in sheltered employment, their individual qualities, vocational goals and inclinations shall be
accorded due regard to ensure a good working atmosphere and efficient production.

2.2​​Sheltered workshop.​ - For the purpose of sheltered employment, DOLE and DSWD shall endeavor
to set up sheltered workshops in all regions of the country in consultation and coordination with
existing non-government organizations (NGOs) and people's organizations (POs) which provide
parallel services to disabled persons.

2.3​​Entitlement to sheltered employment.​ -

 (a) Any disabled person who is literate and/or can follow simple instructions and routine
work, provided he has undergone training in any particular work or service, shall be entitled
to sheltered employment.

(b) The DOLE shall provide training in pre-determined preferential trades for the disabled
who are bound for sheltered employment.

SECTION 3. Apprenticeship and Learnership

3.1​​Qualification for apprenticeship.​ - To qualify as an apprentice or learner, the handicap of the

disabled person should not be such as to effectively impede the performance of job operation in the
particular occupation for which he shall be hired.

In addition, the disabled worker shall:

(a) be at least fourteen (14) years of age;

(b) possess vocational aptitude and capacity for apprenticeship; and

(c) possess the ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.

3.2​​Apprenticeship agreement.​ - Every apprenticeship agreement shall include the following:

(a) the full names and addresses of the contracting parties;

(b) date of birth of the apprentice;

 (c) name of the trade, occupation or job in which the apprentice will be trained and the dates
on which such training will begin and will approximately end;

(d) the approximate number of hours of on-the-job training as well as of supplementary

theoretical instructions which the apprentice shall undergo during his training;

(e) a schedule of the work processes of the trade/occupation in which the apprentice shall
be trained and the approximate time to be spent on the job in each process;

(f) the graduated scale of wages to be paid the apprentice;

(g) the probationary period of the apprentice during which either party may summarily
terminate the agreement;

(h) a commitment by the employer to make the apprentice a regular employee if the latter's
services are retained upon completion of the apprenticeship period; and

(i) a clause that if the employer is unable to fulfill his training obligation, he may transfer the
agreement, with the consent of the apprentice, to any other employer who is willing to
assume such obligation.

The employer shall furnish the concerned Regional Office of DOLE a copy of the apprenticeship
agreement five (5) working days from the date of its execution.

3.3​​Apprenticeship programs.​ -

(a) NMYC shall develop throughout the year apprenticeship programs for disabled persons.
 (b) DOLE shall encourage private companies to develop and implement apprenticeship
programs for disabled persons.

(c) Apprenticeship programs shall include placement assistance with accredited NGOs.

3.4​​Learnership agreement.​ -Any employer desiring to employ learners shall enter into a Learnership
Agreement with them, which shall include:

(a) The name and address of the learner;

(b) The duration of the learnership period, which shall not exceed three (3) months;

(c) The wages or salary rates of the learner which shall begin at not less than seventy-five
percent (75%) of the applicable minimum wage; and

(d) A commitment by the employer to employ the learner, if he so desires, as a regular

employee upon completion of the learnership. A learner who has been allowed or suffered to
work during the first two (2) months shall be deemed a regular employee if training is
terminated by the employer before the end of the stipulated period through no fault of the
learner.

The Learnership Agreement shall be subject to examination by the Secretary of DOLE or his duly
authorized representatives.
 3.5​​Learners in piece work.​ - Learners employed in piece or incentive rate jobs during the training
period shall be paid in full for the work done.

SECTION 4. Incentives for Employers

4.1​​Incentives.​ -

(a) Private entities that employ disabled persons who meet the required skills or
qualifications either as a regular employee, apprentice or learner shall be entitled to an
additional deduction from their gross income equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the
total amount paid as salaries and wages to disabled persons.

(b) Private entities that improve or modify their physical facilities in order to provide
reasonable accommodation for disabled persons shall be entitled to an additional deduction
from their net taxable income, equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the direct cost of the
improvements or modifications. This Section, however, does not apply to improvements or
modifications of facilities required under B.P. Blg. 344.

(c) The DOLE Secretary shall, from time to time, identify and provide other incentives to
private entities which employ disabled persons to encourage the active participation of the
private sector in promoting the welfare of disabled persons, and to ensure gainful
employment for qualified disabled persons.

4.2​​Requirements for entitlement to incentives.​ -

The following shall be the requirements for entitlement to the incentives:

1. For employing disabled workers:

 2. (a) DOH Accreditation as to the type of disability/ies of the disabled
workers;
3. (b) DOLE (NMYC) Accreditation as to the skills and qualifications of the
disabled workers;
4. (c) Certification of Employment of the accredited disabled workers from
the concerned DOLE Regional Director.

5. For purposes of Accreditation, DOLE and DOH shall establish a unit in each of
their regional offices to facilitate the processing of the accreditation of the
disabled persons.
6. For improving or modifying physical facilities for reasonable accommodation for
disabled employees:

7. (a) Certification from the building inspectors in consultation with the

DSWD and other concerned groups in the region where the facilities are
located.

SECTION 5. Vocational Rehabilitation

5.1​​Principle of equal opportunity.​ - The principle of equal opportunity for disabled workers shall
extend to the provision to develop their skills for livelihood and gainful employment.

5.2​​Vocational rehabilitation training.​ - The NMYC, in coordination with every concerned department,
agency or LGU, shall include vocational rehabilitation training of disabled as a component of its
continuing human resources development program and shall exert efforts to integrate that thrust into
its

corporate plans. Such components may take the form of research material production, training design
and administration, or evaluation and monitoring.

5.3​​Vocational rehabilitation program.​ - In adopting the component of vocational rehabilitation, each

agency or LGU, in coordination with NMYC, shall:
(a) Prepare a Comprehensive Support Plan based on the assessment of training needs and
skills inventory of disabled employees which will be provided by the DSWD.

(b) Design, implement and evaluate, a specific and appropriate program which the agency
or LGU can manage, direct and control within its organizational framework and capacity.
Such programs shall include, but not be limited, to the following:

1. Orientation Program which is intended to inform disabled employees

about the department, agency or LGU programs, thrusts and operations.
2. Social Adjustment/Personality/Development Program which is intended
to equip disabled persons with the dynamics of interpersonal
relationships as well as public relations skills and to prepare them for
greater responsibilities.
3. Technical Program in specific areas which is intended to enhance the
skills and knowledge of disabled employees for livelihood and gainful
employment.
4. Values Development Program which is intended to generate positive
attitudes of disabled persons and to harness service values of
participants to be effective employees.
5. Entrepreneurial Opportunity Program which is intended to familiarize
disabled persons who wish to enter into business ventures, the
mechanics of business as well as available business opportunities or
other productive endeavors.

Any department, agency or LGU may enter into cooperative undertakings with other
departments, agencies or LGUs, as the case may be, to develop and implement an
appropriate vocational program for disabled persons.
 5.4​​ ​Facilities for Vocational Rehabilitation

(a) Each LGU shall provide adequate and affordable facilities for vocational rehabilitation
projects. Said facilities shall include infrastructure, funding and manpower.

(b) A Livelihood Promotion Committee shall be established in every LGU. Said Committee
shall be tasked to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate vocational rehabilitation
programs for disabled persons residing in rural areas.

(c) The Livelihood Promotion Committee shall be comprised of a designated Community

Development Officer permanently employed in the LGU, a ranking NGO official, and a
disabled person nominated by concerned groups in the LGU involved in livelihood programs.

5.5​​Vocational Guidance and Counselling.​ - The DSWD shall:

(a) Provide vocational guidance and counselling for disabled persons.

(b) Ensure the availability of trained counsellors and staff for this purpose.

RULE III

SECTION 1. Quality Education for Learners with Special Needs

1.1​​ Learning institutions under this rule shall admit all learners with special needs whether in
academic, vocational or technical courses and other training programs except in the following
instances:
 1. If the learning institutions have already accepted learners with special needs and
further acceptance will render the teaching personnel and facilities less effective.
2. If the learning institutions do not meet the criteria set by the Bureau of SPED and
are not included in the financial assistance program except for government and
state owned learning institutions shall be encouraged and provided necessary
assistance to comply with the requirements of this rule and shall be subject to
monitoring, supervision and assessment.
3. Teacher training institutions are enjoined to include basic SPED courses at the
undergraduate and graduate levels of education and in other related areas.
These courses shall equip teachers with the skills needed to modify content and
the teaching approaches used in ordinary classrooms so as to give curriculum
access to learners with special needs. Skills in identifying and assessing learners
with special needs and in working with parents and the specialists shall also be
developed.
4. Teacher institutions shall offer scholarship programs to SPED teachers in
coordination with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, Commission
on Higher Education and other government and non-government agencies.
These programs can be provided through alternative training models to include
but not limited to short term courses, distance education, mobile training, and
module instruction.

1.2​​ ​Formal Education

To provide learners with special needs with access to basic education, learning institutions shall offer
integrated education.

In order to ensure that quality education is accessible, the following components namely, curriculum,
educational programs, teaching methods and services shall be given importance by learning
institutions:
1. For persons with visual impairment in the preparatory, elementary and early
secondary levels modified curriculum shall include but not limited to, sensory
training, special instruction in braille reading and writing, mathematics,
orientation and mobility, music and typing.
2. Preparation for integration and mainstreaming must be worked out in the early
years of schooling at the elementary level to assure that visually impaired
children just like other children with special needs except those possibly with
mental retardation are educated with their nonhandicapped peers to the fullest
extent possible. For post secondary vocational to tertiary levels they shall be
integrated and mainstreamed and undergo the regular curriculum. Learners with
visual impairment in these levels shall be given the necessary service such as:
reading, writing braille, record library services, orientation and mobility, optical
and medical services, counselling and other assistance.
3. For persons with hearing impairment, modified curriculum shall emphasize
communication and language development which is tailored to meet the learners'
educational needs. The curriculum shall include special instruction in speech,
speechreading, auditory training and rhythm using total communication,
multi-sensory and other approaches. They shall be referred to such support
personnel as sign language interpreters, audiologists, otologists, speech
therapists, auditory trainors and others as needed.
4. For persons with orthopedic handicaps, quality education shall be given in the
same manner as those in the regular education except that school facilities and
physical environment shall be in compliance with B.P. Blg. 344 and they shall be
allowed to attend classes in the ground floors of the school buildings whenever
possible. Class schedule and other pertinent considerations shall be made to suit
their learning requirements.
5. For persons with mental retardation, modified curriculum shall emphasize
training in self-care, socialization, motor, pre-vocational, vocational and other
daily living skills. For those with severe retardation, emphasis shall be on the
development of self-care skills.
6. For all types of learners with special needs, teaching strategies shall be creative,
multi-dimensional, multi-sensorial and shall involve active participation of the
learners.
7. For other types of learners with special needs:
 1. Those with behavior problems including those with autism,
those with learning disabilities and those with multiple
handicaps, modified curriculum shall include special activities
and instructional techniques for the normalization of
behavior, functions and technical, academic skills to prepare
them for the world of work.
2. For disabled gifted persons, the curriculum should
emphasize the development of communication skills, positive
self-concept, high level abstract thinking, social skills and
independent living using creative teaching principles and
interdisciplinary approaches.

8. All SPED personnel involved in the education of learners with special needs shall
be technically trained. The DECS shall continuously review the possibility of
providing incentives to these personnel to attract others to join this profession
and prevent the fast turnover of the SPED teachers to high paying jobs.

With the above considerations, learners with special needs shall be afforded appropriate types of
special education programs suited to their needs to maximize their potentials.

1.3​​ ​Nonformal Education

Alternative special delivery systems to complement formal education shall include but not limited to
community-based, church-based, hospital-based, and other non-school based programs and services
for learners with special needs.

Radio, TV video, print and other distance teaching approaches shall be utilized to reach out to those
who cannot avail of institution-based programs and services.

The participation of persons with special needs,their parents and the community in the delivery of
programs and services to this special group must be enhanced through the establishment of peer
counselling, volunteerism, community awareness and church support.

SECTION 2. Program Modification and Eligibility for Financial Assistance

2.1​​ ​Modified Facilities and Equipment for Learners with Special Needs
The following shall be the minimum requirements which shall facilitate the learning process of
persons with disabilities:

1. For Academic Institutions

1. For persons with visual impairment sensory and tactile

materials, braille books and record materials, braille writing,
printing and reading machines, orientation and mobility
equipment.
2. For persons with hearing impairment group or individual
hearing aids, speech trainers, tape recorders and speech or
language kit containing auditory and language training
materials.
3. For persons with orthopedic handicaps the requirements
provided for by B.P. 344 shall be complied with including
adjustable desks or chairs and adapted physical education
apparatuses.
4. For persons with mental retardation facilities, equipment and
instructional materials for developing skills in self-care,
socialization, motor, cognitive and pre-vocational and
vocational training.
5. Other types of learners with special needs: those with
behavioral problems including those with autism, those with
learning disabilities and those with multiple handicaps
instructional devices and equipment for behavior
modification, perceptual motor training, daily living skills,
language and speech and cognitive skills development.

2. Vocational and Technical Schools and Centers for Learners with Special Needs
3. To equip learners with special needs with vocational skills for gainful
employment, on the job or hands-on training and apprenticeship programs shall
be encouraged.

1. For persons with visual impairment tools and machineries

used must have braille marks and sound identifying features
and other adaptations.
 2. For persons with hearing impairment signal lights, signs and
other adaptations shall be incorporated in the tools and
machineries.
3. For persons with orthopedic handicaps tools and machineries
shall have adapted devices which include but is not limited to
the following:
4. Hand control for learners with special needs with
non-functioning legs and feet; control panels for those with
non-functioning hands; and mouth control device for those
with non-functioning limbs. Height and size of the machines
shall be considered in making adaptations in the
teaching-learning environment.
5. For persons with mental retardation appropriate sheltered
workshops, work centers and other similar arrangements.
6. For other types of learners with special needs those
adaptations mentioned in numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 as needed.

4. Special Education Centers for Learners with Special Needs

5. SPED Centers shall be established nationwide based on needs assessment and
in consultation with leaders of the disabled sectors.

2.2​​ ​Eligibility for Financial Assistance

1. Only those academic institutions and entities, vocational and technical schools
and centers and those offering other training programs with modified facilities
and equipment mentioned in Section 1 a and b of Rule III shall be eligible for
financial assistance under this rule.
2. All learners with special needs regardless of disability, age, sex, religion and
creed, shall be qualified for a financial assistance program provided they are
Filipino citizens and must have met the requirements set by the Bureau of SPED
in accordance with Section V of Rule IV.

SECTION 3. Scope:
 1. The rules shall apply to all government agencies, national or local.
2. Learners with special needs.
3. Learning institutions, public or private, including rehabilitation agencies, sheltered
workshops, day care centers, and other institutions and entities of similar nature. With
regards to government agencies, it is the accountability of the concerned public official
directly involved in the formulation and approval of programs in the province, city or
municipality and the head of agencies and bureaus of the National Government.

SECTION 4. Enforcement

The Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall be responsible for the implementation of
these provisions in coordination with the Local Government Units, Commission on Higher Education
and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

RULE IV

SECTION 1. Basic Policy

The following policies shall govern the delivery of health services to disabled persons:

1. The delivery of health services to disabled persons shall be the responsibility and
concern of both the government and the private sector and the members of the
community at large.
2. Health services for disabled persons should be an integral part of all basic health
services.
3. Health services should be accessible, appropriate, acceptable, affordable and
timely.

SECTION 2. Scope

These provisions shall apply to the following:

1. Government and private institutions involved in the delivery of health services.

 2. Special institutions, both government and private, delivering health services to
disabled persons.

SECTION 3. Functions and Areas of Responsibility

1. Department of Health

2. 1. National Health Program for Disabled Persons -​​ The Department shall:

3. 1.1 include in its annual budgetary proposals the provision for the
funding requirements of the program;
4. 1.2 create a division under the Non-Communicable Disease Control
Service that shall administer and lead in the implementation of the
program;
5. 1.3 set up a national registration/reporting system for specific types of
disabilities and shall generate and assess data base on the current
status, needs and circumstances of disabled persons in the country to
provide an effective basis for a national health program plan for
disabled persons; and
6. 1.4 strengthen its programs on immunization, breastfeeding, maternal
and child care, safe motherhood, family planning, pre-employment
examination/orientation disease control programs and other relevant
programs in support of the National Health Program for Disabled
Persons.

7. 2. Establishment of Medical Rehabilitation Centers at the Provincial Level​​ -

The Department shall:

8. 2.1 initiate the establishment of medical rehabilitation centers at the

provincial level and shall request for the necessary capital and
equipment outlay needed for this purpose;
9. 2.2 program the establishment of medical rehabilitation centers at the
provincial level through a reasonable phasing scheme that will ensure a
nationwide coverage within a ten year period, subject to availability of
funds;
10. 2.3 formulate policies and standards governing the operations of such
medical rehabilitation centers;
11. 2.4 institute a manpower development program to ensure adequate
manpower support for the centers; and
 12. 2.5 monitor and assess regularly the operations of the centers to
ensure that standards are strictly followed.

13. 3. Training of Personnel

14. 3.1 The Department of Health shall organize training programs for care
of disabled persons and, in consultation with the National Council for
the Welfare of Disabled Persons and other specialists in the field, shall
recommend standards for accreditation of training centers, trainors and
training programs for the rehabilitation of disabled persons to ensure
availability of quality health manpower necessary to operate
rehabilitation centers nationwide.
15. 3.2 It shall integrate into the existing training programs the Disability
Management Training Programs.
16. 3.3 The training should involve expertise from both government and
private.

17. 4. Other Health Service​​s

18. 4.1 The Department of Health shall set the standard requirements and
capabilities for care of disabled persons appropriate for each level of
health care facility.
19. 4.2 It shall develop in coordination with the National Council for the
Welfare of Disabled Persons, a mechanism to monitor and enforce
standards of care for disabled persons as embodied in the National
Health Program for Disability, in both government and private health
institutions in order to promote and protect the right to health of
disabled persons.
20. 4.3 It shall develop standards on technical aids produced locally.

21. Local Government Units It shall:

1. provide rehabilitation services within the scope and capability of the

center at affordable cost;
2. allocate or construct a room within or adjacent to the provincial
hospital building with a dimension of at least 100 square meters to
house the medical rehabilitation center;
3. provide adequate funding for the proper maintenance and operation
of the center;
4. create positions and provide funding for salaries of permanent and
casual personnel assigned to the center; and
 5. tap the services of local nongovernment organizations, private
practitioners and other government agencies in the area, whenever
feasible.

SECTION 4. Health Program for Disability

1. Institution of a National Health Program​​ - For the purpose of instituting a national

health program for disability, an ad-hoc inter-agency committee is hereby created, to be
composed of the following:

2. Chairman - Department of Health (DOH)

3. Co-Chairman - National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)

4. Members:

5. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

6. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
7. Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS)
8. Nongovernment Organizations (NGOs)
9. University of the Philippines - Manila
10. A representative each from League of cities, provinces and municipalities
11. Other multidisciplinary and multisectoral team of specialists or agencies that
DOH and NCWDP may enlist

12. Functions:

1. The committee shall develop a master plan for a national health

program for disability which shall be comprehensive in nature,
integrated in health service delivery, and shall have the basic premise
of integrating disabled persons into the mainstream of society.
2. A national rehabilitation center shall be established under the
program which will function as a national training, research and
rehabilitation center in the country.
3. The committee shall formulate the program within one year from the
approval of these Rules and Regulations. Operational expenses of
the committee shall be charged against the funds of the Department
of Health.
4. The committee shall be responsible in determining the amount
necessary for the initial implementation of the program

13. Scope
 14. The National Health Program for Disability shall address health promotion, prevention,
early detection and rehabilitation of disabilities/conditions which shall include but not
limited to the following:

1. ortho/moving disabilities
2. communication deficits
3. visual/seeing disabilities
4. learning (cognitive or intellectual) disabilities
5. chronic illnesses with disability
6. mental disabilities
7. psychosocial and behavioral

15. Implementing Agencies

1. The Department of Health, in coordination with the National Council

for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, shall be the lead agency in the
implementation of the the program.
2. The following government agencies shall actively participate in the
implementation of the program:

3. 2.1 Local Government Units

4. 2.2 Department of Social Welfare and Development
5. 2.3 Department of Labor and Employment
6. 2.4 Department of Education, Culture and Sports
7. 2.5 Other government/nongovernment agencies which the
Department of Health and the National Council for the
Welfare of Disabled Pesons may enlist.

8. All health equipment, facilities and personnel under the local

government units shall be made available for the implementation of
the program.
9. The Department of Health shall develop the mechanism for the
effective participation of the above agencies.

SECTION 5. Establishment of Medical Rehabilitation Centers at the Provincial Level

1. Operational Guidelines for Provincial Medical Rehabilitation Centers

1. The Medical Rehabilitation Center shall be attached to the

Department of Medicine of the Provincial Hospital. It shall be under
 the administrative supervision of the chief of the Department of
Medicine.
2. The Medical Rehabilitation Center shall provide, as a minimum, the
services of a physical therapist and/or an occupational therapist on a
permanent basis.
3. The basic minimum requirements for equipment and supplies for a
provincial medical rehabilitation center shall consist of the following
appropriate technological devices:

4. 3.1 Hydrocollator with pack

5. 3.2 Treatment table with pelvic traction (optional)
6. 3.3 Cervical traction (optional)
7. 3.4 Therapeutic ultrasound
8. 3.5 Portable electrical stimulator
9. 3.6 Therapeutic gym
10. 3.6.1 Parallel bar with postural mirror
11. 3.6.2 Overhead pulley
12. 3.6.3 Weights
13. 3.6.4 Stairs and ramp
14. 3.6.5 Bicycle with ergometer
15. 3.6.6 Toys
16. 3.7 Evaluation kits
17. 3.8 Mats
18. 3.9 Adapted tables and chairs
19. 3.10 Stove and water heater

20. The minimum services to be provided by provincial medical

rehabilitation centers shall be physical and psychosocial
rehabilitation. Other services, such as but not limited to occupational
and speech rehabilitation, may be provided depending on the
capability of the center. Services beyond the area of expertise of the
center shall be referred to higher centers.
21. To maintain the continuity of services, patients who have undergone
rehabilitation at the provincial medical rehabilitation centers shall be
referred to their respective local government units for any appropriate
community-based rehabilitation services and for follow-up.
 22. The Medical Rehabilitation Center shall be a training ground for field
health personnel in the provision of rehabilitation services to disabled
persons.
23. Regional Hospitals and Regional/Medical Centers with physiatrists
and other health professionals shall develop a mechanism for regular
periodic visits of such specialists to provincial medical rehabilitation
centers within their catchment areas. Expenditures arising from such
visits shall be borne by the recipient local government unit.

SECTION 6. Health Services

1. Scope

2. The following types of health services shall be made available to disabled

persons at affordable cost:

1. Primary, secondary and tertiary health care

2. Health education and counseling services
3. Referral to other centers, both government and
non-government organizations for further/special care when
necessary

3. Availment of Services

1. All disabled/handicapped persons shall receive, without prejudice to

their condition, the appropriate out-patient and in-patient health
services available in any government/private health institutions.
2. Health services available in any government health facility shall be
provided;

3. - free to indigent disabled handicapped patients

4. - at discounted rates for other disabled/handicapped
patients, according to conditions to be set by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development and the
Department of Health

4. Specific Health Services

1. Basic health services for the prevention, early diagnosis, timely

intervention, and early rehabilitation of disability shall be provided to
disabled persons such as, but not limited to the following:
 2. 1.1 Control of communicable and noncommunicable
diseases
3. 1.2 Nutrition
4. 1.3 Environmental sanitation
5. 1.4 Maternal/child health services

6. 1.4.1 Prenatal counseling

7. 1.4.2 Safe delivery
8. 1.4.3 Child care and immunization
9. 1.4.4 Control of diarrheal diseases
10. 1.4.5 Breastfeeding
11. 1.4.6 Premarital/genetic counseling

12. 1.5 Control of environmental hazards and occupational

safety
13. 1.6 Dental care
14. 1.7 General health and medical services
15. 1.8 Physical and psychosocial rehabilitation

16. Disability Screening

17. 2.1 All health personnel attending to birth, whether private or

public, shall screen for and report disabilities to the nearest
rural health unit within seven (7) days.
18. 2.2 Screening at the barangay level using the approved
screening tool to be developed shall be done by the midwife
and/or barangay health worker (either the barangay health
worker, barangay nutrition scholar or the like).
19. 2.3 Any child identified/suspected with a disability during the
process of immunization or Operation Timbang shall be
referred to the nearest government health care facility for
confirmation of findings.
20. 2.4 Confirmation of disability shall be done by a rural health
physician/district hospital physician/provincial hospital
physician or regional hospital physician/private physician as
the case maybe, for work-up and specific treatment,
management and rehabilitation.
21. 2.5 All confirmed disability cases shall be recorded and
reported in accordance with the Department of Health's
guidelines.
 22. 2.6 All primary and secondary schools, both public and
private, shall integrate disability screening during the annual
physical examination utilizing the approved forms to be
developed.
23. 2.7 The school physician/nurse/teacher shall make a report
of all suspected disabilities to the principal, who in turn shall
inform, advice and make appropriate medical referrals
through the parents.
24. 2.8 All cases of disability diagnosed and confirmed in any
health care facility whether government and private shall be
reported to the Department of Health.

5. Promotive and Preventive Health Measures

1. The Department of Health shall strenghten its immunization program

for all infants and children.
2. All health centers at various levels shall provide genetic, prenatal and
premarital counseling.
3. Provincial hospitals shall assign appropriate health professionals who
shall act as genetic counselor after appropriate training.

SECTION 7. Training of Personnel

1. The government shall cause to provide training to health personnel providing service to
disabled persons.

1. The Department of Health, in collaboration with the National Council

for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, shall ensure and undertake
training of all appropriate health personnel involved in the delivery of
disability-related services. Such health personnel would include, but
not be limited to the following:

2. 1.1 Medical Personnel

3. Physicians - Rural health physicians/municipal health
physicians, district/provincial hospital physicians
4. 1.2 Health Personnel
5. Occupational therapists
6. Speech therapists
7. Physical therapists
8. Nurses
 9. Midwives
10. Nutritionist - dietician
11. Social workers
12. Other rehabilitation workers
13. 1.3 Community Health Workers
14. Barangay health workers
15. Volunteer health workers
16. Barangay nutrition scholar
17. Community-based rehabilitation field worker (local
supervisors)

2.
3. The training should include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

1. Early Detection and Identification of Disabilities

2. Immunization
3. Family Care Program for the Disabled in the Community
4. Psychosocial Concerns of Disabled Persons: Detection and
Management of Psychosocial Problems Among Disabled Persons
5. Nutrition Education
6. Genetic Counselling
7. Psychiatric and Medical Emergencies: Identification and
Management of Psychiatric Emergencies
8. Rehabilitation Procedures Including Dangers and Precautions
9. Interdisciplinary Approach; Transdisciplinary Awareness and Role
Functioning
10. Environmental Hazards
11. Referral Network
12. Safe Motherhood
13. Safe Drugs

RULE V

SECTION 1. Auxiliary Social Services

The State shall ensure that marginalized persons are provided with the necessary auxiliary services
that will restore their social functioning and participation in community affairs. Toward this end, the
Department of Social Welfare and Development shall develop and implement programs on auxiliary
social services that respond to the needs of marginalized disabled persons

With the implementation of the Local Government Code of 1991, the Department of Social Welfare
and Development devolved the above services except the provision of substitute family care services
for abandoned, neglected, abused and unattached disabled members of the family to the municipal
and city government

The responsibility for provision of these services shall rest on the mayor who shall assign the
implementation of these services to the DSWD devolved social worker in the municipality/city. When
there are no social workers among devolved staff, the mayor should hire at least one to ensure
effective implementation of these services.

The DSWD shall develop the standards of these services, and assist in building the capability of the
assigned social worker through training and technical consultation and regular monitoring of these
services.

The Social Worker shall provide these services through the following procedures:

1. Provide subsidized program for the acquisition of prosthetic devices and Medical
Intervention on Specialty Services. This service shall assist the marginalized disabled
person to improve his physical residual capacity through medical intervention and/or use
of technical devices. The City/Municipal Social Worker shall undertake the following
steps:

1. Inform the community of the availability of the assistance for physical

restoration services for disabled persons.
2. Refer the client to a doctor in the Regional Hospital or any other
government hospital specializing in the provision of physical
restoration devices for medical and physical assessment to
determine the need for physical restoration.
3. Consult and coordinate with attending physician the need for
prosthetic devices and/or medical intervention to restore residual
physical capacities. Specification of prosthetic devices shall be
recommended by the medical specialist.
 4. Mobilize resources of the family, the community and coordinate with
government and non-government agencies involved in disabled
persons to assist in hospitalization and other needs while client is
undergoing prosthesis fitting and medical intervention services.
5. Discuss with the disabled person and his family upon
recommendation for prosthetic and/or medical intervention by the
doctor, the advantages and disadvantages of the intervention.
6. Motivate and counsel client to undergo the treatment.
7. Refer the client to the government hospital to avail of prosthetic
devices and/or surgical intervention.
8. Whenever necessary, the transportation assistance shall be provided
to enable the disabled person to travel to and from the hospital.

2. The Department of Health shall adopt a standard on technical aids produced in the
country both by local and foreign manufacturers.
3.
4. Provision of auxiliary aids and services.
5. The following services shall be provided by appropriate government and non-government
agencies:

1. Services of qualified interpreters and readers shall be provided by the

organizing agency when these services are necessary in their
projects or activities.
2. Training program shall be provided for direct service workers of
agencies where services of interpreters or readers would facilitate
communication.
3. Program for training of specialist to facilitate the learning process of
people with mental disability.
4. Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, like voice
synthesizer, to facilitate communication.

Provision of specialized training activities designed to improve functional limitations of disabled persons
related to communication skills. This service shall assist the marginalized disabled person with hearing
and/or speech and visual impairment. The goal of the service is to enable the client to communicate his
needs and ideas through skills learned and improve his social interaction with people. The following
procedures shall be undertaken by the city/municipal social worker:
1. Identify disabled persons with communication skills problem and if
feasible, group them together. If this is not posible, individualized
training shall be provided. These disabled persons shall include:

a. visually impaired persons who need to learn braille reading

and writing for social and economic functions;
b. disabled person who has hearing and/or speech
impairment and has not developed a language to
communicate and relate with other persons to enable him
to participate in family and community life;
c. other disabled persons such as cerebral palsy shall be
provided these services if and when necessary.

2. Identify the pool of resource persons who will train the

above-mentioned disabled persons e.g. trained DSWD workers in
Community Based Project for Hearing Impaired (CBPHI) for the
deaf or in Rehabilitation of Rural Blind workers for the visually
impaired, Special Education teachers from the DECS and NGOs
involved in the development of communication skills for the
disabled persons.
3. Refer to the proper venue for the training as specified by Sec. 14
of the Code e.g. Day Care Centers, Day Centers for the Elderly,
Barangay halls and others.
4. Set training schedule which is convenient and shall accommodate
not only disabled person but his family member/s as well. It is
important for family members to attend and learn in order for the
whole family to be able to communicate with disabled member.
This is especially true for hearing impaired person. The length of
training will depend on the ability of the disabled person to learn
the skills.
5. When necessary, in addition to braille reading and writing or total
communication skills, these clients shall undergo
social-academics which includes development of knowledge and
understanding of weights, measures, time, signing of name, use of
public facilities such as telephones, post office and public
transportation.
 6. Disabled persons with speech impairment not secondary to
deafness, e.g. stroke victims, trauma, harelip etc., shall be
referred to speech training.

Development among disabled persons of a positive self-image through the provision of counseling,
orientation and mobility and strengthening of daily living capability.

I. Individual and Group Counseling

A. The disabled person who is willing to undergo physical, social, vocational

rehabilitation shall be provided counseling services by the social worker either
through individual or group sessions. The goal of the service is to encourage
disabled persons to share their problems in order to have a greater
understanding of their causes. From this understanding they will commit
themselves to taking action that will solve their problems. As a result, they will
gain confidence in their ability to decide and find solutions to their problems.
When necessary, the social worker shall conduct and refer the client to existing
government and non-governmental agencies providing counseling services in the
area.
B. Orientation and Mobility Training The Social Worker shall help the disabled
person identify resource persons in the community, who can assist blind persons
and mentally retarded persons learn to travel independently and safely.
C. Daily Living Skills The Social Worker shall help the disabled person develop skills
in daily living activities (DLA). She can do this by direct teaching of the clients or
through a member of the family. DLA Training include skills in bathing, getting
dressed, washing clothes, cleaning the house and other things that people do
from the time they wake up to the time they sleep.
D. If skills of the Social Worker is inadequate to meet the training needs of the
disabled person, he shall assist the client identify persons or agencies in the
community who can respond to these needs.

II. Provision of Family Care Services is geared towards assisting the disabled person who
is not adequately cared for due to rejection or inadequate knowledge and skills of the
family in taking care of a disabled person. To achieve this goal, the Social Worker shall
undertake the following activities:

A. The Social Worker shall assist the family determine their strengths and
weaknesses in coping with the problems brought about by the client's disability.
B. The Social Worker shall work with the disabled person and his family, develop a
plan of activities aimed at meeting the care giving needs of the disabled person.
Where knowledge and skill of the family in care giving is lacking, the Social
Worker shall help tap resources, such as the health authorities or other members
of the community to teach any family member of the disabled person, the
necessary care needed.
C. The Social Worker shall see to it that plans are implemented. Follow-up shall be
conducted to encourage the family and provide the moral support needed thus
helping reduce any stress that may arise as a result of prolonged care by family
members.
D. Provision of after care and follow-up services for the continued rehabilitation on a
community based setting of disabled persons who were released from residential
care or rehabilitation centers. This service is a continuation of the rehabilitation
process within the family and in community setting after the disabled person is
released from institutional care. The Social Worker shall assist in the
reintegration process by the disabled person into his family and community,
become productive, self-reliant and contributing member of society.

1. The Social Worker shall work with the family of the disabled person in
preparation for his release upon receipt of referral notice from the
referring institution.
2. The Social Worker shall prepare the family for the eventual return of the
disabled person utilizing her skills in case management.
3. Resources of the community should be mobilized to provide necessary
resources to help in the integration of the disabled in his family and
community.

E. Provision of Day Care Services for disabled children of pre-school age. It is the
aim of this service to reintegrate the disabled child with existing day care services
in order for him to grow as normal a child as possible in spite of his disabilities.
The normal children in the center shall be helped to be more understanding of
the plight of the disabled child by letting him participate in every day activities.
The following activities shall be undertaken by the social worker:

1. Prepare the disabled child and his family for integration in a regular day
care center nearest his residence. Advice them on what to expect,
activities to be done and the people the disabled child will be learning,
playing and enjoying with.
 2. Coordinate with day care worker on how to handle a disabled child and
what activities can be given so that all the children can participate in.
Assist the day care worker in developing these skills.
3. Assist Day Care Worker in encouraging parents of disabled children to
participate in Day Care projects/activities.

F. Provision of Substitute family care services and the facilities therefor for
abandoned, neglected, abused and unattached disabled persons who need
custodial care. Substitute parental and family care shall be provided by the State
to abandoned, neglected, unattached, marginalized disabled persons in
residential care facilities.

1. Applicants or referrals from the field shall be assessed by the Social

Welfare Development Officer to ensure that the disabled person meets
the criteria. The disabled person shall be referred to the nearest available
residential care facility where he resides.
2. The residential care shall provide rehabilitation services with the aim of
acquiring skills on self-care, socialization and independent living for
eventual re-integration to the community.
3. The local government unit shall make sure that the necessary funds are
available for the implementation of the above services.

RULE VI

1. The National Telecommunications Commission shall coordinate with the Kapisanan ng

mga Brodkaster as Pilipinas, as far as those TV stations that are members thereof, or to
the concerned TV stations as far as those that are not members thereof the
implementation of the provision of SECTION 22, CHAPTER 5 of R.A. No. 7277.
2. The TV stations, at its option, may decide as to whether they shall provide a sign
language inset or subtitles in its newscast program.
3. The TV stations shall have the sole discretion as to the time of the day that they shall
provide either a sign language inset or subtitles in their newscast program.
4. On special programs covering events of national significance, the TV stations shall
likewise have the sole discretion to provide a sign language inset or subtitles in the
coverage thereof.
5. All TV stations, whether KBP members or not, shall inform the National
Telecommunications Commission their willingness to cooperate in the implementation of
 this noble undertaking through the prescribed form that can be secured from the National
Telecommunications Commission Office.
6. The National Telecommunications Commission, through its regulatory power over the
broadcast media, shall encourage all TV stations to provide a sign language inset or
subtitles in at least one (1) newscast program a day and special programs covering
events of national significance. It shall also encourage all radio and television stations and
national dailies to allot a percentage of free air time/space for information dissemination
on disability and its prevention. The NCWDP in coordination with other agencies shall
develop key messages for this purpose and monitor the same.
7. The National Telecommunications Commission shall coordinate with the telephone
operators all over the country, the implementation of the provision of SECTION 23,
CHARTER 5 of RA No. 7277.
8. All telephone operators in the country upon request of the agencies/institutions concerned
with the welfare of disabled persons shall provide type approved special telephone
devices and improvisations for the hearing-impaired or handicapped persons at the
offices of the said agencies or institutions.
9. The National Telecommunications Commission through its regulatory power of the
telephone operators shall encourage the said operators to put up telephone devices,
services and improvisations for the disabled persons to enable them to communicate
through the telephone system.
10. For purposes of the provision of SECTION 24, CHAPTER 5 of RA No. 7277, the words
"postal charges" shall mean all forms of postal charges, whether the same is ordinary or
special. Provided, that the articles, parcels, and/or packages are for personal uses or
purposes only.
11. The following articles, parcels and/or packages free of postal charges are as follows,
inclusive:

1. articles and literatures like books and periodicals, orthopedics and

other devices, and teaching aids for the use of the disabled persons
sent by mail within the Philippines and abroad; and
2. aids and orthopedic devices for the disabled persons sent abroad by
mail for repair.

12. The following are the requirements for the availment of this privilege, to wit:

1. That the disabled person is a Filipino citizen.

2. That the disabled person is a marginalized disabled person as
certified to by the Social Welfare and Development office of the
municipality or city government unit where the disabled person is a
 resident or by the representative of the Department of Social Welfare
and Development in the municipality or city government unit where
the disabled person is a resident.
3. That the disabled person either as the sender/or addressee has the
necessary accreditation certificate as such issued by the Postmaster
General or his representative of the Philippine Postal Corporation.
4. That the definition of marginalized disabled person as referred to in
this article is one who lack access to rehabilitation services and
opportunities to be able to participate fully in socioeconomic activities
and who have no means of livelihood or whose income fall below the
poverty threshold.
5. That it is understood that the articles and literatures like books and
periodicals, orthopedic and other devices, teaching aids, are for the
exclusive use of the disabled person and that the same when mailed
is unsealed and may be opened for postal inspection and does not
contain commercial advertising materials.
6. That the envelop or wrapper of the franked mail shall bear on the left
upper corner the name of the sender with its complete address and
on the upper right corner the words "Free Matter for Disabled
Person". Private or unauthorized use to avoid payment of postage is
penalized by a fine or imprisonment or both.

RULE VII

SECTION 1. Mobility

The State shall promote the mobility of disabled persons. Disabled persons shall be allowed to drive
motor vehicles, subject to the rules and regulations issued by the Land Transportation Office pertinent
to the nature of their disability and the appropriate adaptations or modifications made on vehicles.

1.1 ​Rules and Regulations in the Application of Driver's License for Disabled Persons

1. Scope and Application

a. Any disabled person who desires to apply for a driver's license

shall file with any Land Transportation Office (LTO) licensing
 center or district office an application form prescribed by the LTO
containing certain information and compliance with the
requirements hereinafter set forth.

2. Requirements

a. The requirements that have to be complied with by an

applicant/disabled person for driver's license are the following:

2. Medical Certificate/Recommendation from a

government accredited physician;
3. The applicant/disabled person must take and pass
written and practical examinations;
4. New applicant must secure student permit and
undergo driving instruction for 60 days;
5. All disabled drivers/applicants may use a customized
vehicle provided that it meets the
standard/specifications set and duly requested at
LTO.

3. Who May apply for License

1. Partially blind person with poor visual acuity due to

partial loss of vision/sight.
2. Orthopedically Impaired person with amputated left or
right leg; amputated left or right arm; post-polio
victims; paralyzed legs; weak legs but not paralyzed.
3. Speech and Hearing Impaired person unable to
speak but can hear; can partially hear.

4. All applications approved and granted by LTO shall be valid for three (3)
years starting 1993 using prescribed credit cardtype driver's license for
disabled persons. Those previously issued licenses may apply for its
conversion.

SECTION 2. Access to Public Transport Facilities

The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall develop a program to assist marginalized
disabled persons gain access in the use of public transport facilities. Such assistance may be in the
form of subsidized transportation fare. The following guidelines shall govern a subsidized
transportation scheme:
1. Scope
2. This section shall cover only marginalized disabled persons which is so defined
in the Act as disabled persons who lack access to rehabilitative services and
opportunities to be able to participate fully in socio-economic activities and who
have no means of livelihood or whose incomes fall below the poverty threshold.

3. a.1 Lacking in access to rehabilitative services would mean those who

have limited or no ability to obtain medical, social, educational,
vocational and livelihood opportunities.
4. a.2 Poverty threshhold means income cutoff for a family of six (6) based
on NEDA findings.
5. The subsidized transportation scheme can only be availed of by:
6. a.3 Marginalized disabled persons who will be undergoing training on
vocational and/or livelihood skills enhancement programs in vocational
rehabilitation centers managed by government and non-government
agencies.
7. a.4 Marginalized disabled persons who want to resettle in their place of
origin with the intention of finally residing there.
8. a.5 Marginalized disabled persons who are to avail of prosthetic
devices, surgical intervention and other domestic travels related for
educational needs.

9. Provisions

10. b.1 These provisions are limited to domestic travels only.

11. b.2 The social welfare officer or any officer designated to implement
social welfare services in the municipality shall determine:

12. b.2.1 Nearest venue for education, training or hospital which

will provide the prosthetic devices;
13. b.2.2 Practical and most convenient mode of air, land or sea
transportation to be used by the disabled persons.

14. b.3 The DSWD managed rehabilitation centers giving the training shall
provide for transportation assistance to disabled persons during the
period of training.
15. b.4 Except those who are receiving transportation assistance in DSWD
vocational rehabilitation centers, the disabled person seeking this can
avail of it from the Office of the Mayor of the municipality of his
 residence. The local social welfare development officer or any other
officer designated to implement social welfare services shall facilitate
the giving of transportation assistance to qualified disabled persons.
16. b.5 The eligibility requirements on the provision of vocational training
and/or prosthetic devices given to disabled persons are provided for in
the implementing rules and regulations of Chapter 1 (Employment)
Section 9 and Chapter 4 (Auxiliary Social Services) Section 21 Letter
(1) respectively of this Act.
17. b.6 The local government unit shall make sure that necessary funds for
the transportation assistance to be given to the disabled persons are
included in their budget. Exception to this provision are those disabled
persons who are undergoing training in DSWD managed vocational
rehabilitation centers and other non-government managed centers.

RULE VIII

SECTION 1. System of Voting

1.1 ​Registration

1. On the day specified by law for registration, a qualified disabled person may
register as a voter by accomplishing the required voter's affidavit, and such other
forms as may be required by the Commission on Elections with respect to need
of assistance and access.
2. The voter's affidavit of a disabled person may be prepared by:

1. Any relative within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or

affinity; or
2. Any member of the board of election inspectors.

3. Any person above-mentioned who assists a disabled person in the preparation of

the voter's affidavit shall:

1. Prepare the vote's affidavit in accordance with the data

supplied by the applicant; and
 2. Take an oath before the board of election inspectors that he
shall fill up such affidavit in accordance with the instructions
given by said disabled person.

4. The fact of disability and/or the inability of a registrant to prepare the voter's
affidavit and/or vote and the name of the person assisting in the preparation of
the form shall be duly recorded in the Minutes of Registrations.
5. When circumstances so warrant, the Chairman of the Board may authorize the
registration of a disabled person in designated accessible areas within the same
polling place. No person shall be denied registration by reason of the
inaccessibility of the precincts.

1.2 ​Voting
1. A disabled person shall be allowed to be assisted by a person of his choice in the
preparation of the ballot provided that such assistor is:

1. A relative, by affinity or consanguinity within the fourth civil

degree;
2. Any person of his confidence, whether or not belonging to the
same household; or
3. Any member of the board of election inspectors.

2. A disabled voter shall be allowed to vote with the assistance of another person
when the fact of the inability to vote is indicated in the voter's registration record.
3. No person may assist disabled persons in voting more than three (3) times
except members of the board of election inspectors.
4. The person chosen to assist a disabled voter shall prepare the ballot for the
disabled voter inside the voting booth.
5. The person assisting shall bind himself in a formal document under oath to fill out
the ballot strictly in accordance with the instructions of the voter and not to reveal
the contents of the ballot prepared.
6. The fact of voting with the assistance of another person and the oath taken by
the assistor shall be indicated in the Minutes of Voting and Counting of Votes.
7. The proper election officer shall designate accessible areas within the polling
place where disabled voter's may cast their votes. No person shall be denied the
right to vote by reasons of the inaccessibility of the precinct or polling place.
8.
 1.3 The Commission on Elections shall promulgate rules and regulations, incorporating new methods
and technologies, which shall facilitate and enhance the exercise of the right of suffrage by disabled
citizens.

SECTION 2. Right To Assemble

Consistent with the provisions of the Constitution, the State shall recognize the right of disabled
persons to participate in processions, rallies, parades, demonstrations, public meetings, and
assemblages or other forms of mass or concerted action held in public.

SECTION 3. Right To Organize

The State recognizes the right of disabled persons to form organizations or associations that promote
their welfare and advance or safeguard their interests. The National Government, through its
agencies, instrumentalities and subdivisions, shall assist disabled persons in establishing self-help
organizations by providing them with the necessary technical and financial assistance.

Concerned government agencies and offices shall establish close linkages with organizations of
disabled persons in order to respond expeditiously to the needs of disabled persons. National line
agencies and local government units shall assist disabled persons in setting up specific projects that
will be managed like business propositions.

To ensure the active participation of disabled persons in the social and economic development of the
country, their organization shall be encouraged to participate in the planning, organization and
management of government programs and projects for disabled persons.

Organizations of disabled persons shall participate in the identification and preparation of programs
that shall serve to develop employment opportunities for the disabled persons.

RULE IX

SECTION 1. Discrimination on Employment

The public or private sector shall not discriminate against a qualified disabled person by reason of
disability in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, promotion or discharge of employees,
employees' compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.
1.2 ​Acts of Discrimination

The following shall constitute acts of discrimination:

1. limiting, segregating or classifying a disabled job applicant in such a manner that

adversely affects his work opportunities;
2. using qualification standards, employment test or the selection criteria that
screen out or tend to screen out a disabled person unless such standards, test or
the selection criteria are shown to be job related for the position in question and
are consistent with business necessity;
3. utilizing standards, criteria or methods of administration that:

1. have the effect of discrimination on the basis of disability; or

2. perpetuate the discrimination of others who are subject to
common administrative control;

4. providing less compensation, such as salary, wage or other forms of

remuneration and fringe benefits, to a qualified disabled employee, by reason of
his disability, than the amount to which a non-disabled person performing the
same work is entitled;
5. favoring a non-disabled employee over a qualified disabled employee with
respect to promotion, training opportunities, study and scholarship grants solely
on account of the latter's disability;
6. re-assigning or transfering a disabled employee to a job or position he cannot
perform by reason of his disability;
7. dismissing or terminating the services of disabled employee by reason of his
disability unless the employer can prove that he impairs the satisfactory
performance of the work involved to the prejudice of the business entity; provided
that the employer first sought to provide reasonable accommodations for
disabled persons;
8. failing to select or administer in the most effective manner employment test
which accurately reflects the skill, aptitude or other factors of the disabled
applicant or employee that such test purports to measure, rather than the
 impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills of such applicant or employee, if
any; and
9. excluding disabled persons from membership in labor unions or similar
organizations.

SECTION 2. Employment Entrance Examination

2.1 The disabled person, upon an offer of employment, will be subjected to medical examination on
the following occasions:

1. all entering employees are subjected to such an examination regardless of

disability;
2. information obtained during the medical condition or history of the applicant is
collected and maintained on separate forms and in separate medical files and is
treated as a confidential medical record, provided that:

1. supervisors and managers may be informed regarding

necessary restrictions on the work or duties of the employees
and necessary accommodations;
2. first aid and safety personnel may be informed, when
appropriate, if the disability may require emergency
treatment;
3. government officials investigating compliance with this Act
shall be provided relevant information on request; and
4. the results of such examination may be used only in
accordance with this Act.

SECTION 3. Discrimination on the Use of Public Accommodations and Services

1. For purposes of this section, public accommodations and services, please refer to the
Implementing Rules and Regulations of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, otherwise known as
the Accessibility Law.
2. Discrimination on the use of a terminal, depot or other stations used for specified public
transportation.
3. The discrimination on disabled persons referred in this section, is the impartial treatment
of the owner, lessee or operator of public transport terminals, stations and depot or the
partial or non-provision of services, facilities, privileges, advantages or accommodations
 to disabled passengers on the basis of disability which are afforded to able-bodied
individuals. The following constitute acts of discrimination whether directly or through
contractual, licensing or other arrangement, to wit:

1. denying the disabled passenger to enter the terminal, station or depot

premises; purchase travel tickets; prepare waybills; secure boarding
passes; claim tags for baggages and other transactions which an
able-bodied passenger may do.
2. failure to provide accessibility features such as ramps, signages and
stickers inside the terminal, station or depot.
3. failure to designate seats in the waiting area for disabled passengers
if there are seats available.
4. denying the disabled passenger to use the toilet/washroom or failure
to make such facilities accessible.

RULE X

ENFORCEMENT

SECTION 1. Investigation

The Secretary of Justice shall investigate alleged violations of the Act and shall undertake periodic
reviews of compliance of covered entities under the Act.

SECTION 2. Commencement of Legal Action

If the Secretary of Justice has reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons is
engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination under this Act; or any person or group of persons
has been discriminated against under this Act and such discrimination raises an issue of general
public importance the Secretary of Justice may commence a legal action in any appropriate court.

SECTION 3. Court Authority

The Court may grant any equitable relief that such court considers to be appropriate including to the
extent required by the Act:
1. granting temporary, preliminary or permanent relief;
 2. providing an auxiliary aid or service, modification of policy, practice or procedure,
or alternative method; and
3. making facilities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

SECTION 4. Penalties

Any person who violates any provision of the Act shall suffer the following penalties:
1. Any person who violates any provision of the Act shall suffer the following
penalties:

1. for the first violation, a fine of not less than fifty thousand
pesos (P50,000.00) but not exceeding one hundred thousand
pesos (P100,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6)
months but not more than two (2) years, or both at the
discretion of the court; and
2. for any subsequent violation, a fine of not less than one
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not exceeding
two (2) hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or
imprisonment for not less than two (2) years but not more
than six (6) years, or both at the discretion of the court.

2. Any person who abuses the privileges granted herein shall be punished with
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months or a fine of not less than five
thousand pesos (P5,000.00) but not more than fifty thousand pesos
(P50,000.00), or both at the discretion of the court.
3. If the violator is a corporation, organization or any similar entity, the officials
thereof directly involved shall be liable therefor.
4. If the violator is an alien or a foreigner, he shall be deported immediately after
service of sentence without further deportation proceedings.

RULE XI

MONITORING

The National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons shall monitor the implementation of these
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. A monitoring scheme
machinery shall be formulated to provide regular and up-to-date information on the progress of its
enforcement.
Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Sixteenth Congress

Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-seventh day of July, two thousand fifteen.

[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10754]

AN ACT EXPANDING THE BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY (PWD)

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 32 of Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for
Persons with Disability”, is hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 32. Persons with disability shall be entitled to:

“(a) At least twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable, on
the following sale of goods and services for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of the PWD:

“(1) On the fees and charges relative to the utilization of all services in hotels and similar lodging
establishments; restaurants and recreation centers;
“(2) On admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses, concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other similar
places of culture, leisure and amusement;

“(3) On the purchase of medicines in all drugstores;

“(4) On medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees such as, but not limited to, x-rays,
computerized tomography scans and blood tests, and professional fees of attending doctors in all government
facilities, subject to the guidelines to be issued by the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth);

“(5) On medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees, and professional fees of
attending doctors in all private hospitals and medical facilities, in accordance with the rules and regulations to
be issued by the DOH, in coordination with the PhilHealth;

“(6) On fare for domestic air and sea travel;

“(7) On actual fare for land transportation travel such as, but not limited to, public utility buses or jeepneys
(PUBs/PUJs), taxis, asian utility vehicles (AUVs), shuttle services and public railways, including light Rail
Transit (LRT), Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Philippine National Railways (PNR); and

“(8) On funeral and burial services for the death of the PWD: Provided, That the beneficiary or any person who
shall shoulder the funeral and burial expenses of the deceased PWD shall claim the discount under this rule for
the deceased PWD upon presentation of the death certificate. Such expenses shall cover the purchase of
casket or urn, embalming, hospital morgue, transport of the body to intended burial site in the place of origin,
but shall exclude obituary publication and the cost of the memorial lot.

“(b) Educational assistance to PWD, for them to pursue primary, secondary, tertiary, post tertiary, as well as
vocational or technical education, in both public and private schools, through the provision of scholarships,
grants, financial aids, subsidies and other incentives to qualified PWD, including support for books, learning
materials, and uniform allowance to the extent feasible: Provided, That PWD shall meet the minimum
admission requirements;

“(c) To the extent practicable and feasible, the continuance of the same benefits and privileges given by the
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), and Pag-IBIG, as the case may
be, as are enjoyed by those in actual service;
“(d) To the extent possible, the government may grant special discounts in special programs for PWD on
purchase of basic commodities, subject to the guidelines to be issued for the purpose by the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA); and

“(e) Provision of express lanes for PWD in all commercial and government establishments; in the absence
thereof, priority shall be given to them.

“The abovementioned privileges are available only to PWD who are Filipino citizens upon submission of any of
the following as proof of his/her entitlement thereto:

“(i) An identification card issued by the city or municipal mayor or the barangay captain of the place where the
PWD resides;

“(ii) The passport of the PWD concerned; or

“(iii) Transportation discount fare Identification Card (ID) issued by the National Council for the Welfare of
Disabled Persons (NCWDP).

“The privileges may not be claimed if the PWD claims a higher discount as may be granted by the commercial
establishment and/or under other existing laws or in combination with other discount program/s.

“The establishments may claim the discounts granted in subsection (a), paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7),
and (8) as tax deductions based on the net cost of the goods sold or services rendered: Provided, however,
That the cost of the discount shall be allowed as deduction from the gross income for the same taxable year
that the discount is granted: Provided, further, That the total amount of the claimed tax deduction net of
value-added tax, if applicable, shall be included in their gross sales receipts for tax purposes and shall be
subject to proper documentation and to the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as
amended.”

SEC. 2. Section 33 of Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, is hereby further amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 33. Incentives. – Those caring for and living with a PWD shall be granted the following incentives:

“(a) PWD, who are within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to the taxpayer, regardless of age,
who are not gainfully employed and chiefly dependent upon the taxpayer, shall be treated as dependents
under Section 35(b) of the NIRC of 1997, as amended, and as such, individual taxpayers caring for them shall
be accorded the privileges granted by the Code insofar as having dependents under the same section are
concerned; and

“x x x.”

SEC. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations, – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Finance (DOF), and the National
Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of the provisions of this Act: Provided, That the failure of the concerned agencies to
promulgate the said rules and regulations shall not prevent the implementation of this Act upon its effectivity.

SEC. 4. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, other
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. – All laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations, and other parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in
two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

(Sgd.) FRANKLIN M. DRILON

President of the Senate

(Sgd.) FELICIANO BELMONTE JR.

Speaker of the House
of Representatives

This Act which is a consolidation of House Bill No. 1039 and Senatee Bill No. 2890 was passed by the House
of Representatives and the Senate on December 16, 2015 and December 15, 2015, respectively.

(Sgd.) OSCAR G. YABES

Secretary of the Senate

(Sgd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP

Secretary General
House of Representatives

Approved: MAR 23 2016

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

President of the Philippines

REPUBLIC ACT NUMBER 10754

An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS

RULE I

TITLE, PURPOSE AND CONSTRUCTION

Section 1. Title – These Rules shall be known and cited as the Implementing Rules and Regulations of
Republic Act No. 10754, otherwise known as the Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with
Disability (PWD).

Section 2. Purpose – These Rules and Regulations are promulgated to prescribe the procedures and
guidelines for the implementation of Republic Act No. 10754 in order to facilitate compliance with the Act and
to achieve its objectives.
Section 3. Construction – These Rules and Regulations shall be construed and applied in accordance with and
in furtherance of the policies and objectives of the law. In case of doubt, the same shall be construed liberally
and in favor of persons with disability.

RULE II

POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES

Section 4. Policies and Objectives – It is the declared policy of the State to give full support to the improvement
of well-being and integration into mainstream society of persons with disability. It is the objective of Republic
Act No. 10754 to provide persons with disability the opportunity to participate fully into the mainstream of
society by granting them at least twenty (20%) discount and exemption from the value added tax on the sale of
certain goods and services identified under Republic Act No. 9442 for the exclusive use, enjoyment or
availment of persons with disability.

RULE III

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Section 5. Definition of Terms – For purposes of these Rules and Regulations, these terms are defined as
follows:

5.1 Persons with Disability – are those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory
impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society
on an equal basis with others. For purposes of these Rules and Regulations, persons with disability shall be
classified by the Department of Health (DOH) through an issuance.

5.2 Basic Necessities – are goods vital to the needs of consumers for their sustenance and existence such as,
but not limited to, rice; corn; root crops; bread; fresh, dried or canned fish and other marine products; fresh
pork, beef and poultry meat; fresh eggs, potable water in bottles and containers; fresh and processed milk;
fresh vegetables and fruits; locally manufactured instant noodles; coffee; coffee creamer; sugar; cooking oil;
salt; laundry soap and detergents; firewood; charcoal; household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene;
candles; drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health and such other goods as may be classified
by the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Agriculture.
5.3 Dental Services – refers to oral examination, cleaning, permanent and temporary filling, extractions and
gum treatments, restoration, replacement or repositioning of teeth, or alteration of the alveolar or periodontium
process of the maxilla and the mandible that are necessary for the diagnosis and/or treatment of a dental
illness or injury.

5.4 Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests – any procedure conducted for diagnostic purposes. It shall include such
procedures as x-rays, CT-scans, MRI scans, PET scans, blood chemistry exams, histopathology and
immunopathology, hematology, urine analysis, parasitology and bacteriology tests, serology, blood banking
and all other diagnostic radiology, clinical laboratory and other diagnostic examinations that are necessary for
the diagnosis of the disability or medical condition of a person with disability. It shall also include clinical
psychological tests, assessment of speech conditions, test for hearing acuity, visual acuity, learning
impairment, and related psychosocial conditions like drug testing.

5.5 Drug / Medicine – refers to any chemical compound or biological substance, other than food, intended for
use in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of disease in humans or animals, including but not limited to:

5.5.1 Any article recognized in the official United States Pharmacopoeia – National Formulary (USP-NF),
official Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, Philippine Pharmacopoeia, Philippine National Drug
Formulary, British Pharmacopoeia, European Pharmacopoeia, Japanese Pharmacopoeia, Indian
Pharmacopoeia, any national compendium or any supplement to any of them

5.5.2 Any article intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease in
humans or animals

5.5.3 Any article other than food intended to affect the structure or any function of the human body or animals

5.5.4 Any article intended for use as a component of any articles specified in items 5.5.1 to 5.5.3 not including
devices or their components, parts or accessories

5.5.5 Herbal and/or traditional drugs which are articles of plant or animal origin used in folk medicine which are:
- Recognized in the Philippine National Drug Formulary
- Intended for use in the treatment or cure or mitigation of disease symptoms, injury or body effects in
humans
- Other than food, intended to affect the structure or any function of the human body
- In finished or ready-to-use dosage form
- Intended for use as a component of any of the articles specified in bullets 1 to 4.
These may also include vitamins and minerals provided that these are in accordance with the Food and Drug
Administration’s prevailing cut-off on vitamins and minerals classified as drug / medicine i.e product containing
more than 150% of water-soluble vitamins and more than 102% of fat soluble vitamins. For herbs to be
classified under this definition, levels and amounts as well as registration status is required when indicated for
therapeutic use.

5.6 Essential Drug / Medicine – refers to drugs / medicines that satisfy the priority health care needs of the
population and which are selected based on the evidence of their efficacy, safety and comparative cost
effectiveness.

5.7 Essential Drug List or National Drug Formulary – Refers to a list of drugs prepared and periodically
updated by the Department of Health on the basis of health conditions obtaining in the Philippines as well as
on internationally accepted criteria.

5.8 Foods for Special Medical Purposes – refers to category of foods for special dietary uses which are
specially processed or formulated and presented for the dietary management of patients and may be used only
under medical supervision. They are intended for the exclusive or partial feeding of patients with limited or
impaired capacity to take, digest, absorb or metabolize ordinary foodstuffs or certain nutrients contained
therein, or who have other special medically-determined nutrient requirements, whose dietary management
cannot be achieved only by modification of the normal diet, by other foods for special dietary uses, or by a
combination of the two.

5.9 Lodging Establishment – refers to public and private establishments that charge daily, weekly, monthly
rates or fees which include but not limited to the following:

5.9.1 Apartel refers to building or edifice containing several independent and furnished or semi-furnished
apartments, regularly leased to tourists and travelers for dwelling on a more or less long-term basis and
offering basic services to its tenants, similar to hotels.

5.9.2 Dormitory refers to any permanent structure with private rooms where persons, students in particular,
may be regularly accepted as boarders and provided with lodging and/or meals.

5.9.3 Motorist Hotel refers to any structure with several separate units, primarily located along the highway,
with individual or common parking space, at which motorists may obtain lodging and in some instances, meals.
5.9.4 Pension House refers to a private or family-operated tourist boarding house, tourist guest house or tourist
lodging house, regularly catering to tourist, and/or traveler, containing several independent table rooms,
providing common facilities such as toilets, bathrooms/showers, living and dining rooms and/or kitchen and
where a combination of board and lodging may be provided.

5.9.5 Tourist Inn refers to lodging establishment catering to transients, which does not meet the minimum
requirement of an economy hotel.

The term lodging establishment shall include lodging houses, which shall mean such establishments are
regularly engaged in the hotel business, but which, nevertheless, are not registered, classified and licensed as
hotels by reason of inadequate essential facilities and services. It also includes resort, which shall refer to any
place or places with pleasant environment and atmosphere conducive to comfort, healthful relaxation and rest,
offering food, sleeping accommodation and recreational facilities to the public for a fee or remuneration.

The term, however, excludes homestay or an alternative tourism where tourists will stay with the host’s family
in the same house and will experience the everyday life of the family and the local community.

5.10 Medical Services – refers to health services which include but not limited to prevention of disability
through immunization, nutrition, environmental protection and preservation; genetic counseling; early detection
of disability and timely intervention to arrest disabling condition and medical treatment and rehabilitation
including mobility assistive devices.

5.11 Prime Commodities – are goods not considered as basic necessities but are essential to consumers such
as, but not limited to flour; dried, processed or canned pork, beef and poultry meat; dairy products not falling
under basic necessities; onions; garlic; vinegar; patis; soy sauce; toilet soap; fertilizer; pesticides and
herbicides; poultry, livestock and fishery feeds and veterinary products; paper; school supplies; nipa shingles;
sawali; cement; clinker; GI sheets, hollow blocks; plywood; plyboard; construction nails; batteries; electrical
supplies; lightbulbs; steel wire; all drugs not classified as essential drugs by the Department of Health and
other commodities that may be classified by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of
Agriculture.

5.12 Recreation Centers – refers to any establishment offering recreation services with facilities that include
but not limited to internet cafes, video games, other similar amusement facilities, theaters, cinema houses,
concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other places of culture and leisure. This definition excludes
establishments with gambling facilities.
5.13 Restaurant – refers to any establishment duly licensed by the government selling to the public, regular
and special meals or menu. This may include but not limited to food, drinks, beverages, desserts and other
consumable items served by the establishment including value meals and other similar food counters, fast
food, cooked food and short orders including take-outs.

RULE IV

BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

Section 6. Twenty Percent (20%) Discount and Value Added Tax (VAT) Exemption – Persons with disability
shall be entitled to the grant of 20% discount and VAT-exemption on the purchase of certain goods and
services from all establishments for their exclusive use, enjoyment or availment; Provided, however, that the
purchase of such goods and services from sellers that are not subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) shall be
subject to the applicable percentage tax.

For this purpose, subsequent purchases by persons with disability on the same day from the same
establishments shall still be subjected to 20% discount and VAT-exemption.

All establishments shall place signages in conspicuous areas within their premises to inform persons with
disabilities that they are entitled to the 20% discount and VAT-exemption.

The Department of Finance thru the Bureau of Internal Revenue shall issue the corresponding Revenue
Regulations and/or Revenue Memorandum Circulars related to the grant of the 20% discount and
VAT-exemption for persons with disability.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government shall also ensure that all local government units are
informed about the law for the smooth implementation of the 20% discount and VAT-exemption for persons
with disability in their areas of jurisdiction.

Section 6.1 Lodging Establishments – This shall apply to room accommodation and other amenities offered by
the establishment such as but not limited to massage parlor, sauna bath, food, drinks and other services
offered. The said discount and exemption will only apply to persons with disability.

The Department of Tourism shall issue the corresponding guidelines, circulars or directives related to this
section for its accredited lodging establishments and disseminate such information to all concerned.
The concerned academic institutions shall also ensure that dormitories under their jurisdiction grant the 20%
discount and VAT-exemption to students with disabilities.

Section 6.2 Restaurants – This shall apply to the purchase of food, drinks, beverages, dessert and other
consumable items served by the establishments including value meals and other similar food counters, fast
food, cooked food and short orders including take outs. To safeguard the establishments from abuse of this
privilege, the orders should be limited only to the consumption of the concerned person with disability.

Section 6.3 Recreation Centers – This shall apply to admission fees of persons with disability charged by
theaters, cinema houses, concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other places of culture and leisure. The said
discount and exemption shall also apply to charges in the utilization of services including rentals of facilities
and equipment and other accessories and gadgets to be used, enjoyed or availed by persons with disability in
these centers.

The Department of Tourism shall issue the corresponding guidelines, circulars or directives related to Sections
6.2 and 6.3 for its accredited restaurants and recreation centers and disseminate such information to all
concerned.

The Local Government Units concerned, in coordination with the Leagues of Cities and Municipalities, shall
also ensure that restaurants and recreation centers under their jurisdiction are compliant to the law by including
the grant of 20% discount and VAT-exemption to persons with disability as part of the terms and conditions in
the issuance of business permits to the aforementioned establishments.

Section 6.4 Purchase of Medicines and Foods for Special Medical Purposes – This shall apply to the purchase
of prescribed generic and branded drugs / medicines as well as foods for special medical purposes in all
drugstores for the exclusive use or availment of persons with disability.

The Department of Health, in coordination with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Food and
Drug Administration, shall issue the corresponding guidelines, circulars or directives related to this section and
disseminate such information to all concerned.

Section 6.5 Medical and Dental Services, Diagnostic and Laboratory Fees and Professional Fees of Attending
Doctors – This shall apply to the availment of medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory
fees by persons with disability in government facilities or private hospitals and medical facilities. The said
discount and exemption shall also apply to the professional fees of attending doctors in such facilities.
The Department of Health, in coordination with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, shall issue the
corresponding guidelines, circulars or directives related to this section and disseminate such information to all
concerned.

Section 6.6 Domestic Air and Sea Travel – This shall cover the actual fare for domestic air and sea travel. For
promotional fares, the Section on No Double Discounts should apply.

Section 6.7 Land Transportation Travel – This shall apply to actual fare for land transportation travel such as,
but not limited to, public utility buses or jeepneys, taxis, Asian Utility Vehicles (AUVs), shuttle services, public
railways including Light Rail Transit, Metro Rail Transit and Philippine National Railways and Transportation
Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) such as Grab, Uber and the like.

The Department of Transportation including those agencies attached and under its administrative supervision
and control shall issue the corresponding guidelines, circulars or directives related to domestic air, sea and
land transportation travel and disseminate such information to all concerned.

The Local Government Units concerned, in coordination with the Leagues of Cities and Municipalities, shall
also ensure the passage of local ordinance to enjoin transport groups to grant this benefit/privilege.

Further, land transport groups shall place signages within public utility vehicles, shuttle services and public
railways to inform persons with disability that they are entitled to the benefit/privilege.

Section 6.8 Funeral and Burial Services for the Death of a Person with Disability – The beneficiary or any
person who shall shoulder the funeral and burial expenses of the deceased person with disability, shall claim
the discount under this rule for the deceased person with disability upon presentation of the death certificate
and person with disability identification card (ID) or in its absence, the original or certified true copy of the proof
of registration from the issuing local government unit. Such expenses shall cover the purchase of casket, urn,
embalming, hospital morgue, transport of the body to intended burial site in the place of origin, but shall
exclude obituary publication and the cost of the memorial lot.

The Local Government Units concerned, in coordination with the Leagues of Cities and Municipalities, shall
ensure that mortuaries under their jurisdiction are compliant to the law by including the grant of 20% discount
and VAT-exemption to persons with disability as part of the terms and conditions in the issuance of business
permits to the aforementioned establishments.
Section 7. Educational Assistance for Persons with Disabilities – Educational assistance shall be granted to
persons with disability to pursue primary, secondary, tertiary, post tertiary as well as vocational or technical
education in both public and private schools and authorized technical vocational institutions through the
provision of scholarships, grants, financial aid, subsidies and other incentives to qualified persons with
disability, including support for books, learning materials and uniform allowance to the extent feasible:
Provided, that persons with disability shall meet minimum admission requirements set by the Department of
Education, Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and
the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Board for persons with
disability who wish to pursue tertiary education by means of scholarships, grants-in-aid and student loans.

The DepEd, CHED and TESDA shall also ensure that all public and private schools, colleges and universities
are informed about the provision on educational assistance for persons with disabilities.

For the purpose of this section and in view of Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of
2013, primary education shall include kindergarten whether in private or public schools.

Section 8. Other Benefits and Privileges – The benefits and privileges to be extended by the Government
Service Insurance System, Social Security System and Pag – ibig to persons with disability shall be based on
their respective charters.

Section 9. Special Discounts in Special Programs – To the extent possible, the government may grant special
discounts in special programs for persons with disability on the purchase of basic necessities and prime
commodities subject to the guidelines to be issued for the purpose by the Department of Trade and Industry
and the Department of Agriculture.

Section 10. Express Lanes for Persons with Disabilities – Express lanes for persons with disability shall be
provided in all commercial and government establishments. In the absence thereof, priority shall be given to
them in all the transactions of the establishments.

The Civil Service Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government shall issue the
necessary circulars enjoining all national and local government units to provide express lanes for persons with
disability.

Section 11. Proof of Entitlement – The benefits and privileges indicated in the Act are available to persons with
disability who are Filipino citizens, upon submission of any of the following as proof of his/her entitlement
thereto:
11.1 An identification card issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) or the City / Municipal
Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) of the place where the person with disability resides.

11.2 The passport of the concerned person with apparent disability.

11.3 An identification card issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs. This is on a case-to-case basis
for emergency purposes only, provided that the PWD ID number coding shall be retained in accordance with
the official residence of the person with disability.

The same benefits and privileges shall be made available to Filipinos who hold foreign passports but are
registered as dual citizens and Filipinos who have re-acquired their Filipino citizenship thru Republic Act No.
9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003.

Section 12. No Double Discounts – In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount,
persons with disability can avail of the establishment’s offered discount or the 20% discount provided herein,
whichever is higher and more favorable. In cases where the person with disability is also a senior citizen
entitled to a 20% discount under his/her valid senior citizen identification card (ID), the person with disability
shall use either his/her PWD ID Card or Senior Citizen ID card to avail of the 20% discount.

Section 13. Tax Deduction – The establishment may claim the discounts provided herein as tax deductions
based on the net cost of the goods sold or services rendered: Provided, however, that the cost of the discount
shall be allowed as deduction from the gross income for the same taxable year that the discount is granted:
Provided, further, that the total amount of the claimed tax deduction net of Value Added Tax, if applicable, shall
be included in their gross sales receipts for tax purposes and shall be subject to proper documentation and to
the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended.

The records of sales of the establishments claiming tax deductions must contain the name of the person with
disability, his/her PWD identification card number and if applicable, his/her Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Failure on the part of such establishments to include such details in their records of sales would result in the
disallowance of the 20% sales discount claimed as deduction and the input tax attributable to VAT exempt sale
claimed as cost or expense.

RULE V

TAX INCENTIVES
Section 14. Tax Incentives for those Caring for and Living with Persons with Disabilities – Those caring for
and living with a person with disability, up to the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity, shall be granted tax
incentives in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended. For
purposes of granting the incentives, persons with disability shall be treated as dependents under Section 35(b)
of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, and as such, individual taxpayers providing care
for them shall be accorded the privileges granted by the Code insofar as having dependents under the same
section is concerned.

The treatment of a person with disability as a dependent however should not be construed to mean an
increase in the maximum number of dependents, which is currently limited to four (4) dependents, for which
additional personal exemption may be claimed by a taxpayer under Section 35(b) of the National Internal
Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.”

For this purpose, the Bureau of Internal Revenue shall issue the corresponding Revenue Regulations pertinent
to the implementation of the tax incentives and privileges of this Act.

The National Council on Disability Affairs shall revise and disseminate the template of the identification cards
of persons with disability to include the name of the guardian, name of the tax claimant, tax identification
number of the tax claimant and their contact numbers to facilitate the implementation of this section. It shall
also retain the PWD ID number coding by local government unit to facilitate the ease of monitoring of data on
the sector in barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces and regions.

RULE VI

MONITORING AND REPORTING

Section 15. Monitoring. The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) shall monitor the implementation of
these Implementing Rules and Regulations to ensure that persons with disability enjoy the additional benefits
and privileges provided by the law. A monitoring scheme shall be developed by the NCDA to secure relevant
and up-to-date information on the progress of its enforcement and this shall cover the consolidation of reports
from the Persons with Disability Affairs Office and other government agencies on matters pertaining to their
duty and responsibility to establish the necessary information on persons with disability including their
availment of tax incentives.
The filing of complaints against the violators of this Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations shall be
with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office under the Local Government Units and/or with the National
Council on Disability Affairs for referral and resolution of the proper government agencies.

The enforcement and penalties for the violation of this Act shall be in accordance with Republic Act No. 7277
as amended by Republic Act No. 9442 including its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

RULE VII

EFFECTIVITY

Section 16. Effectivity. – These Rules and Regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation and submission to the Office of the
National Administrative Register, Law Center, University of the Philippines.

Signed on 01 December 2016 at the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Batasan Pambansa
Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City.