THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) pushes the strict implementation of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and similar laws that protect them from discrimination.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao particularly cited public utility operators, drivers, and conductors who should undergo orientation seminars on Republic Act 9442, which amended R.A. 7277 known as the Magna Carta for PWDs.
“It’s about time that the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities become part of refresher courses for bus drivers, conductors and even operators of PUVs so they can be better informed on the rights of commuters who have disabilities, whether apparent or non-apparent in the case of those with mental challenges or illness,” Dumlao said.
Dumlao made the statement following the filing of charges by the family of a 25-year-old PWD who was assaulted and teased inside a bus last June 9.
The complaint was filed with assistance from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The family of the plaintiff identified only as Mak-Mak lodged the charge of child abuse with the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office against six of his alleged assailants.
Among the respondents are the driver and a conductor of the bus.
The complaint was for violation of Section 10(a) of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The DSWD office in Central Luzon earlier provided assistance to Mak-mak and his family from San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan.
DSWD social workers reported the incident to the police.
“The DSWD will also provide livelihood assistance to the family of Mak-mak . We will also provide assistance for Mak-mak’s therapy as a person with disability that is non-apparent,” Dumlao said.
She added that bus drivers and conductors should be made aware of the consequences of failure to protect PWDs in their vehicles.
“Those who are proven to have violated the provisions of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities are looking at six months to two years imprisonment, plus a fine ranging from P50,000 to P200,000, depending on the gravity of the offense,” Dumlao said.
She also said non-apparent forms of disability such as those exhibited by Mak-Mak and lately, Julian Tacbad who was ridiculed by several passengers on an LRT-Line 1 train when he tried to sit on a priority seat reserved for seniors, pregnant women and PWDs.
Tacbad, whose eyesight has a grade of 1,150 qualifying him as a PWD complete with an ID, wanted to take the reserved seat as he was feeling dizzy.
“There is also a need for a massive information drive to educate the commuting public that persons with disabilities who are non-apparent such as the case of Mak-mak and Julian. This will ensure that both the drivers and commuters will be aware of the disabilities that are not visible,” Dumlao said.
