A LEGISLATOR from Mindanao has filed a bill mandating private companies with more than 100 workers to allocate at least one percent of their workforce for qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte said House Bill (HB) 8942 seeks to ensure that PWDs are given equal opportunities in terms of employment and career development.
Under Republic Act (RA) 10524, at least one percent of all positions in government agencies, offices or corporations is reserved for PWDs.
Private corporations with more than 100 workers are merely encouraged to do the same under this law, Duterte said.
“PWDs with the necessary talents and skills have proven to be valuable opportunities to prove that they, too, are highly capable in performing the jobs they are qualified for,” Duterte noted.
Private corporations with less than 100 workers are encouraged to also reserve positions for qualified PWDs under Duterte’s bill.
“A significant population of PWDs experience disproportionately high disability,” he added.
“Rather than exclude PWDs from the talent pool, we should be tapping their skills. On top of giving PWDs the opportunity to work and earn, companies also have the advantage of expanding their search for highly qualified job candidates instead of settling for non-disabled employees who lack drive and with mediocre skills,” Duterte said.
Under HB 8942, private firms which hire the required threshold for PWDs will be entitled to tax credits to be deducted from their gross income.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is tasked under the bill to evaluate the compliance of private corporations on the hiring of PWDs.
