SENATOR Win Gatchalian wants persons with disabilities (PWDs) to have easier access to public transport system to enable them to actively engage in their communities and contribute meaningfully to society.
While Gatchalian has been calling out individuals who exploit fake PWD IDs for personal gain, he stressed the equally important need to ensure that genuine PWDs receive the benefits intended for them. One key area of concern is access to transportation.
“My office has been receiving numerous complaints from PWDs who struggle to access public transportation,” Gatchalian said, adding that PWDs face significant challenges, such as difficulties with ramps that are supposed to provide access to transport. He pointed out that inadequate transport infrastructure exacerbates these issues and makes mobility harder for PWDs.
“Madalas hindi raw sila nakakasakay ng MRT o LRT lalo na kung sira ang escalator o elevator na magdadala sa kanila papunta sa platform. Pati raw sa mga jeep, minsan hindi sila naisasakay dahil mabagal silang kilos,” he said.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means emphasized the need for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to adopt a design standard that ensures easy access to both existing transport systems and those still under development. Local Government Units (LGUs) should also adopt policies to make their cities more PWD-friendly, according to Gatchalian.
The senator pointed out that nearly 30 years after the enactment of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, or Republic Act 7277, in 1992, PWDs continue to face difficulties in accessing public transport and other public infrastructures. He stressed that the rights of PWDs must be enforced.
“The Magna Carta for PWDs should be fully and effectively implemented, not only for the benefit of PWDs but also for the elderly, parents with young children, pregnant women, and others who face physical challenges in accessing public transport systems,” said Gatchalian.
“Without proper access to public transport, PWDs would struggle to access essential services like education and healthcare, which are vital for them to live meaningful lives,” he added.
According to the National Council on Disability Affairs, the total number of registered PWDs as of January 8 this year is 1.9 million.
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