DOH poised to strictly enforce Magna Carta for Disabled

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) is poised to work for the strict implementation of Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Person to ensure a “barrier-free environment” for people with disabilities (PWD).

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said the law had been approved in 1992, but it is still not being applied in many establishments.

“The DOH supports program for PWD. There are still many buildings being constructed that do not comply with this law which requires easy access, even in comfort rooms,” he told reporters during the launch of the “Global Family Summit of Special Olympics” for mentally challenged individuals.

The Olympics, which is being hosted by the Philippines from Sep. 11 to 14, gathers special athletes who are “intellectually challenged” from nine countries. It is the first time that the event is being held in Asia Pacific.

Duque said he would coordinate with the Department of Interior and Local Government to ensure that buildings and other infrastructure comply with the law.

The law provides for the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society.

It enjoins the State to ensure a “barrier-free environment” for PWD by providing them access to public and private buildings and establishments and promoting their “mobility” by allowing them to drive motor vehicles, “subject to rules and regulations.”

The law also mandates that a program be developed to assist marginalized PWD in the use of public transport facilities. Such assistance may be in the form of subsidized transport fares.

Duque noted that the DOH would tap non-government organizations and international partners because modifying structures would require “huge investments.”

“We call on all big companies – this is one big opportunity for them to demonstrate social responsibility by directly supporting others to improve the quality of life and health of people with disabilities,” he added.

The health chief said that he would order the revival of the DOH’s National Registry to determine how many Filipinos have disabilities.

The DOH launched the registry in 2006, but only some 8,000 registered.

Duque added it is important for PWDs to be “counted” because this registry could be the basis of government and private programs that would be crafted for their benefit.

Under the law, any person who violates any provision faces a fine of up to P100,000 or imprisonment of up to two years or both for the first violation.

For subsequent violation, a fine of up to P200,000 or a jail term of up to six years or both will be imposed.

If the violator is a corporation, organization or any similar entity, the officials directly involved shall be held liable.

“Any person who abuses the privileges granted herein shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six months or a fine of not less than P5,000, but not more than P50,000 or both, at the discretion of the court,” the law states. – Sheila Crisostomo