Senate hearing on PWD support fund, allowance — October 19, 2026

[0:00] development. PNVSCA recommends, however, that the proposed section 13-A be refined to [0:09] number one, retain December as National Volunteer Month, number two, designate December 5 as [0:18] International Volunteer Day or IVD instead of creating a separate National Volunteer Day, [0:26] and number three, expressly provide for PNVSCA's coordinating role in consultation with the [0:34] Department of Foreign Affairs in regard to the IVD and other stakeholders. Four, to preserve the [0:43] volunteer nature of personnel participation, and fifth, to ensure implementation with existing [0:51] mandates and available resources. These refinements align the bill with existing national and [0:58] international observances and avoid unnecessary duplication. I will mention first the legal and [1:07] policy framework that we used in coming up with our conclusion. Section 13-A should be read together [1:15] with the following existing legal instruments. Republic Act number 9418 or the Volunteer Act of 2007 [1:23] provides the statutory framework for promoting and coordinating volunteerism and establishes [1:31] PNVSCA's mandate. Proclamation number 55 series of 1998 declares December of every year as National [1:40] Volunteer Month with PNVSCA as local agency. Proclamation number 94194 series of 1987 recognizes December 5 as [1:52] International Volunteer Day and identifies the DFA's role in the observance. Sa makatwid po, Mr. Chair, [2:00] there are already issuances in this regard. The amendment should complement these legal instruments and strengthen [2:09] PNVSCA's DFA coordination in relation to the IVD without creating overlapping designations of altering [2:19] institutional responsibilities. So our comments and recommendation, again, to reiterate, first on the [2:28] National Volunteer Month. Our comment is December is already designated under proclamation number 55 series of [2:37] 1998. But still, we agree with the bill and that December should be retained as the National Volunteer Month. [2:50] And for December 5, December 5 is internationally observed as International Volunteer Day as declared by the [2:59] United Nations. And in the Philippines, December 5 is already designated as IVD for economic and social [3:07] development in the Philippines under proclamation number 194 series of 1987. So our recommendation is to retain the [3:16] declaration and recognize the existing observance. And as far as PNVSCA's coordinating role, particularly with the [3:27] International Volunteer Day, PNVSCA has an established role in promoting and coordinating National Volunteer Month. [3:36] And DFA has relevant responsibilities for IVD. Currently, I just would like to give a glimpse. [3:45] Every IVD, our office, spearheads the commemoration and of course, invite the DFA to help us, say for example, get the theme for the [3:59] international celebration and the international celebration and sometimes to keynote some of our activities. But it's also good if we if we put a [4:13] stronger participation of the DFA as suggested in the bill. And on participation of personnel, Mr. Chair will submit an additional comment on this. But we just would like to [4:28] emphasize that this initiative should not construe volunteer activities during National Volunteer Month as compulsory. But we actually agree with the proposal of the bill to have the government instrumentalities, most especially their participation in NVM as compulsory. [4:58] because we believe because we believe that these are the mechanisms in which we are able to sensitize [5:05] and therefore commemorative activities during National Volunteer Month are important for them to have an exposure on what volunteerism is all about. So now, we are hard to get a submission of what government instrumentalities are doing during NVM month. But if we make this decision, we are able to be able to [5:10] to address the conclusion of the compulsory, but this will be able to address the concerns as we are able to get a [5:36] then i think this will address the concern and in terms of implementation [5:45] activities must be carried out within existing mandates and resources and that we include [5:53] safeguard consistent with existing appropriations and applicable budgeting accounting and auditing [6:00] rules so our uh proposal on section 13-a the national volunteer month and international [6:10] volunteer day the month of december of every year is hereby declared as national volunteer month [6:16] and december five of every year shall be observed as international volunteer day in recognition of [6:24] the invaluable contribution of volunteers to national development and achievement of sustainable [6:30] development and the national philippine national volunteer service coordinating agency or pen visca [6:37] shall spearhead and coordinate observance of national volunteer month including activities related to [6:44] international volunteer day in consultation and coordination with the department of foreign affairs [6:51] and other concerned government agencies local government units civil society organizations [6:58] volunteer involving organizations private sector partners and other relevant stakeholders consistent [7:06] with the respective mandates heads of government agencies and instrumentalities including government [7:13] owned and controlled corporations and local government units and employee employers in the private sector [7:21] are encouraged to support the observance and facilitate the voluntary participation of their personnel [7:28] in appropriate activities and programs consistent with applicable laws rules and regulations and subject to [7:36] available resources the implementation of this section shall be undertaken within the respective mandates of the [7:44] concerned agencies and subject to existing appropriations and applicable budgeting accounting [7:51] and auditing rules and regulations so our conclusion is that pn visca supports house bill number 4706 subject to the [8:02] foregoing refinements this would promote consistency with existing proclamations clarify institutional coordination and strengthen [8:12] the national observance of the national observance of volunteerism without unnecessary duplication [8:18] bago po mag thank you senator tulfo i would like to tell everyone here that i'm a proud ip from ifugao [8:31] thank you very much sir thank you um um i only have two or three questions [8:37] one may funding requirement po ba ang ganitong national observance sir our strategy is always mainstreaming [8:48] so each government agency should mainstream it in their budget uh maybe they can include some uh little budget for [8:57] them to commemorate the the international as well as the national volunteer month okay it will this be a holiday [9:07] uh apparently it's not it's not a holiday my last question sir is um why december other than kasi ito po yung [9:20] sinasabi international volunteer day ito pong uh december 5 other than that why december uh for the philippines [9:29] i think uh i think uh why not why not june july john po yung maraming volunteer hiningi ang dswd may [9:37] nagkakasakit doh doli ah kailangan ng bayan ni hans sa isang lugar yung mga puno na nagsitumbahan [9:45] why why december why not june or july or august sir uh i curious uh yeah yes sir uh it's it's often asked [9:54] actually uh why december uh why uh december um i think first is usually the philippines when they uh [10:02] declare uh observances or commemoration sumusunod sila sa mga international like for example the [10:09] national women's month i think march 8th is the day ginawa natin sa philippines the entire month of [10:17] march uh and several others yun po yung napansin natin uh mr chair and uh so since ivd is december 5 [10:26] for the philippines ginawa natin the entire month of december and also uh some would say that it [10:36] coincides with the usually december this is the month of giving etc but in fact mr chair [10:43] hirap na hirap po tayo dito pag december december ang national volunteer month dahil marami pong [10:49] activities uh in december thank you for that explanation sir executive director gawe and members [10:57] of the philippine national volunteer service coordinating agency this committee approves in [11:04] principle house bill number 4706 subject to the submission of the recommendations to further enhance [11:11] the bill thank you for the delegation from p pnvsca you are permitted to leave the room or you may [11:18] opt to stay listen to discussions or other topics anyway congratulations for now we proceed with the [11:28] discussion and the proposed senate resolution number 186 this is the implementation of some existing laws [11:37] that will protect the rights of persons with disabilities comsec who's the first to present for [11:42] this topic uh first to present their position is the department of social welfare and development [11:49] can uh those presenters uh or resource persons can you limit your presentation to about five minutes [11:56] i would uh we would appreciate it thank you in the interest of time though thank you mr chairman [12:12] uh and fellow resource persons allow me to read a part of our manifestation researcher the department of social [12:26] welfare and development expresses its strong support for the continuing efforts of the senate of whole [12:34] and strengthen the right dignity protection and welfare of persons with disabilities the department recognizes [12:43] that persons with disabilities continue to experience barriers that prevent them from fully and equally [12:50] participating in society these barriers are not limited to physical access accessibility they also include [12:59] discrimination social exclusion economic insecurity and difficulties in accessing essential services [13:07] education employment employment and opportunities for independent living the deswd firmly believes that there [13:16] should be no place for discrimination against persons with disabilities in our society disability [13:24] should never be a basis for denying anyone the opportunity to live with dignity exercise their rights or participate [13:33] meaningfully in their communities in this regard the department recognizes the policy objectives of the proposed measures [13:43] concerning the effective implementation of existing disability laws the reduction of administrative barriers for [13:51] persons with permanent disabilities and the strengthening of social protection mechanism to address [13:58] disabilities disabilities disability related costs these objectives are consistent with the broader goal of promoting the rights dignity [14:08] welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities while the specific provisions and implementation arrangement [14:16] remain subject to further review and assessment by the department having said that we will submit an extensive [14:26] position paper of a position paper of the department of disability researcher thank you very much thank you [14:34] uh thank you uh asek aziz uh before we go to the next uh resource person i have uh some uh questions though uh asek aziz um [14:46] um um one pong katanungan natin ano po ba ang mga significant gaps or problema dito po sa implementation [14:56] um uh is it because hindi alam ng karamihan sa atin na may mga batas na ganito na magpo protekta sa ating pw [15:27] hindi ba alam na mga taong ito yung podcast na yun na we have such a law or kailangan saan po naging problema [15:44] do you think kung alam nila na may batas na ganon do you think it would have prevented them or you [15:49] take mahina po yung batas natin what what what do you think is the problem uh uh asek aziz [15:57] thank you mr chair i i think it's uh there is still a room for improvement in and informing the [16:05] the population this as far as the swd hindi po kami nagkukulang sa pagtulong pag pagpaga [16:15] aksyon sa mga ganitong kwan mga pangyayari in fact the moment that we receive information [16:22] our department readily uh refer to the uh doj or to the appropriate agency for appropriate action but [16:32] tama po kayo mr janitor na probably karamihan kasi sa taong bayan na hindi nila alam yung specific [16:39] na details nung kwan mga batasan i think the ncd is doing their best to inform the public in fact [16:47] they keep on uh informing the public in their own yeah in in in their social media uh sorry what you're saying [17:00] sir kulang pa po yung information dissemination kasi meron na po po tayong uh ikang magna carta [17:07] protecting our pwds yung mga may kapansanan and yet nangyayari pa rin po ito nakukutsa [17:13] pa rin pinagtatawanan lalo na po sa mga eskwelahan binubuli yun nga ho masakit eh nakita na na may [17:20] kapansanan ibubuli pa either in words or hindi man sasaktan bully physically pero yung ika nga words [17:31] mas masakit po yun eh tumatatak po yun yun yung ah hindi siguro alam ng mga kababayan [17:37] natin or could it be baka mahina yung ah ikang penalties kailangan ba ba nating taasan dagdagan [17:45] yung ah ah penalty para ikang maramdaman at tanong ko rin ho may nakulong na ba ng pangungutsa [17:53] sa pwd sa ating bansa pero parang wala pa ako narinig na pinagtawanan pinagmumura yung pwd wala [18:02] po yata ano kay kayo mamma rilova before you make your presentation let me ask you meron na po bang [18:10] nakulong na pinagtawanan pinagmumura binuli either by words yung pwd meron na po ba mr chair good morning [18:20] po so sa experience po ni ncda there were some um cases na na-filed po sa barangay pero hindi [18:28] po nagpa-prosper sa court meron naman pong ah isa na tinulungan din si ncda it's regarding about [18:34] discrimination po so we help the the victim file a case and nagkaroon na po ito ng ano ng decisions [18:42] sa court where i napenalize po itong ah perpetrator pero tama po kayo sir ah in terms of the ngipin [18:51] ng batas medyo mahina po and i still remember when you were still in congress po na ah ah nag file [18:58] po tayo na parang ma-increasean po natin yung penalty and also yung parang referral process ah magkaroon [19:06] po sana na mas deep in yung batas kasi currently the current law ah yung aggrieved party lang yung [19:13] po pwede na magkaroon siya ng ng um reason to file the case or ah wala po kasi kami sa ncda na [19:21] moto propio na powers to file a case so what we are doing is we encourage the victim to file a case and [19:28] ncda helps po sa legal processor okay ah all right now um thank you asika aziz now uh i guess uh [19:38] um executive director uh rilova you can go ahead and make your presentation now thank you mr chair [19:46] so honorable erwin tulfo the national council on disability affairs expresses its support to senate [19:53] resolution number 186 directing the appropriate senate committee to conduct an inquiry in aid of [20:00] legislation on the implementation of laws protecting the rights of persons with disability with particular [20:06] emphasis on strengthening policies toward the barrier-free environment the proposed inquiry is [20:12] consistent with the ncda's mandate under executive order number 709 series of 2008 as amended particularly [20:20] its functions relating to policy development legislative recommendations and the monitoring and [20:26] coordination of disability related programs and laws the ncda recognizes that batas pambansa bilang [20:34] 344 the accessibility law and republic act number 72 77 or the magna carta for persons with disability as [20:42] amended provide the legal framework for accessibility and the full and effective participation of persons with [20:49] disabilities in society however continuing concerns regarding accessible public transportation infrastructure [20:58] and public facilities warrant and public facilities warrant an assessment of the implementation [21:02] enforcement and adequacy of existing laws and policies accordingly the ncda supports the proposed inquiry as [21:10] a mechanism to identify legislative and implementation gaps clarify institutional responsibilities and recommend [21:18] appropriate policy regulatory and budgetary measures to ensure compliance with accessibility standards [21:25] consistent with applicable laws and the united nations convention and the rights of persons with disability [21:32] the ncda stands ready to provide technical inputs and policy recommendations within its mandate and available [21:39] resources in support of the committee's deliberation thank you so much mr chair thank you executive director relova [21:46] comsec who's next present i'll be asking my questions after they have uh uh made their presentations pertaining to this uh [21:54] uh house bill number uh 186 yes sir next two percent is the department of transportation go ahead uh dot r [22:06] ask sec uh pangilinan go ahead sir good morning mr chair uh first of all the department of transportation [22:11] thanks the committee for the opportunity to take part in this inquiry under senate resolution number 186 [22:17] on the implementation of laws protecting the rights of persons with disabilities toward a barrier-free environment the [22:25] department fully supports the intent of this resolution as a co-implementer of bp-344 the dotr recognizes that [22:32] accessible transportation remains a significant gap especially in our older rail lines we are addressing [22:39] it in line with the ncda strategic action plan for persons with disabilities 2024 to 2028 first we are [22:46] establishing where the gaps are through a sectoral technical working group on accessibility the dotr [22:52] we are complied with a master list of transport infrastructure across rail road aviation and [22:59] maritime we are prioritizing accessibility audits for the terminals with the highest ridership so that [23:04] our improvements reach the most commuters actually audits have been completed for six railway facilities [23:12] second we are improving infrastructure station rehabilitation is ongoing for mrt3 and the new operator [23:20] will be required to rehabilitate the line to comply with the bp-344 new facilities follow our transit [23:27] transit facility design standards under the department order number 2024-002 third because we because [23:34] rehabilitating infrastructure takes time we are closing gaps to lose service our accessible travel policy [23:41] requires railway operators to provide inclusive services to persons with disabilities and new concessionaires [23:47] are required to adopt it the dotr is pursuing these efforts in parallel and we stand ready to work with [23:54] the with this committee the ncda and our partner agencies toward accessible and dignified mobility for all [24:01] thank you mr chair thank you asick uh uh uh concept yes next to present is the department of public works and [24:10] uh dpwh good morning mr chairperson and honorable members of the committee and everyone present here [24:26] first we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the notable chairperson and the committee on social [24:34] justice um welfare and rural development for inviting the dpwh um we are very much grateful for the [24:42] opportunity to share our opportunity to share our inputs and contribute efforts in strengthening the [24:48] implementation of laws protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and promoting a barrier-free [24:55] environment so first of all um under the presidential decree number 1096 or the national building code of [25:02] the philippines the dpwh boy is responsible for the administration and development of building regulations [25:09] while building officials perform regulatory and enforcement functions within their uh respective jurisdictions [25:18] so specifically po under our department order number 14 series of 2025 um the functions of the nbcdo in relation to [25:29] the bp344 includes first po yung reviewing and formulating and updating policies po relating to the nbcp [25:38] and building accessibility standards under the bp344 uh second po we conduct technical seminars and [25:46] workshops to support the proper understanding and implementation of accessibility requirements and [25:54] third po uh we monitor and report accessibility compliance in coordination po with other um concerned [26:02] offices under the dpwh and fourth po uh we are reviewing technical issues and proposed amendments to accessibility provisions in collaboration with um relevant stakeholders po and lastly po handling bp344 cases appealed to the secretary from decisions orders or resolutions issued by the building officials in accordance with applicable laws and procedures but right now po um there's no [26:31] so uh wala pa pong naakyat na cases related to bp344 um in our office uh in support of the implementation the nbcdo also issued memorandum circular number [26:46] three series of 2025 which provides for interim uh interim guidance on the application of the ramp slope standard pending the official [26:56] publication of appendix po nang bp344 uh 2024 irr and the nbcdo continues to support the consistent [27:07] implementation of accessibility requirements through its policy uh technical capacity building monitoring [27:14] and appellate functions in coordination with the concerned offices so once again thank you mr chair and the honorable members of the committee for giving us the opportunity [27:23] to contribute to contribute to contribute to this important um inquiry thank you uh mr vicente uh comsec yes [27:30] sir next to present is the light haven center for independent living all right mr abner malapas right [27:37] sir good morning mr chair we welcome the resolution of senator erwin tulfo to conduct an inquiry on the [27:45] implementation of various laws on persons with disabilities particularly batas pambansa 344 and the republic act 7277 [27:54] since the enactment of into into into law of batas pambansa 344 the dpwh and dotr failed to ensure compliance with the [28:02] provision or uh and intent of the law the current implementing rules and regulation of the accessibility law [28:09] exempted critical architectural features in education institutions including libraries museums exhibition hall art [28:18] gallery auditorium gymnasium civil center certain types of hospital rehabilitation centers home for the aged [28:26] and other buildings institutions and in establishment for the general population buildings establishment [28:34] institution public utilities do not strictly comply with the purpose of the law which is to enhance the [28:39] mobility of persons with disabilities many barangay hall barangay health center and other health care [28:45] facilities run by government and private sector schools workplaces marketplaces commercial places [28:53] concert halls sports complex and museums theaters housing dormitories tenement houses including residential [29:00] buildings and condominiums school companies top housing and other infrastructure and facilities remain [29:07] inaccessible in accessible mr chair nagkaroon ho ng project ang life haven sa city level na [29:13] implementation for to promote uh implementation of accessibility law which we we we found out na talagang weak [29:21] ang implementation dahil hindi talaga malinaw sa local government kung paano nila to i-implement [29:28] na maigi at yung accountability po ay hindi rin po ah hindi rin po ah malinaw na hindi [29:35] maintindihan kung sino ba talaga ang may responsibility sa kaduluduluan sinasabi nila yung mayor po [29:40] ng municipality o city which is napakahira pong gawing accountable hindi ho ba masyado silang powerful i think [29:47] ah ang level ng ah ah ah ah punishment ay bumaba pa para doon sa talagang may direct [29:56] supervision doon sa implementation ng accessibility law public transportation remains inaccessible to [30:04] persons with disabilities nakita po natin nagkaroon po tayo ng mga ah modernization program [30:09] sa pating public transport ang life haven po in spearhead ang ah ah pagbubuo ng isang [30:15] philippine national standard on accessible to uv sa tulong po yan ng department of trade [30:20] industry sa bureau of product standards po nila magkamat existing na po itong ah [30:25] philippine national standard na to ay hindi po ah pinakapansin ng department of transportation [30:32] kahit na matagal na po namin sinasabing ah i-adapt ninyo ito no para ah ito yung maging ah [30:38] criteria ng ah land transportation ah ng ltfrb no para sa pagbibigay [30:45] ng pangkisa ang nagawa lamang po ng ltfrb ay maglabas ng omnibus guidelines kung saan [30:50] nire-require ang mga buses city buses na accessible sa persons with disability [30:56] pero nakalimit nga lang po yan sa wheelchair accessibility paano po yung ibang forms of [31:01] accessibility ganon din po sa ating air transport no po ah marami pa rin po tayong airport kung saan [31:07] ang kailangan bit-biting kaming parang ah bagahe no pagpagpag baba at pagsakay samantala may mga [31:13] solusyon naman po na practical halimbawa rampa mga lift na na na na portable na pwedeng maging [31:20] available pero hindi po nila ginagawa may mga airport tayo na kung saan kami po ay dumadaan sa mga [31:27] utility utility route no ang babaho mainit no hindi sa tamang daanan ng mga pasahero kami rin po ay [31:36] nagbabayad din naman ng aming mga ah ticket pero kami po ay hindi tinatrato ng ah patas po ng mga [31:43] airports lalo ganon din po sa mga water ah transportation natin wala pa ho kung nagamit na mga [31:50] mga banka or or ferries na may accessibility features samantalang kapag kausap po namin sila sa [31:56] subcommittee sa ncda yung subcommittee on accessibility ay lagi ho nilang pinagmamalaking mayroon pero hindi [32:04] ho namin naramdaman no po so importante din po na ah i-consider din natin yung mga tricycle natin sila ba [32:13] talaga ay isang kabahagi ng ating public transport system kasi million million po ang nakaregister [32:19] sa database ng ating ah lto na mga tricycle na nag-o-operate pero hindi ho sila kinikilala [32:26] ng ating department of transportation so hindi ho natin sila mare-regulate at meron po kami mga [32:31] disenyo na mga accessible tricycle na pwedeng pamasada na makakatulong ho sa mga persons with [32:36] disability lalo na sa mga rural areas na ito talaga yung main transport ah ah mode nila ah ah para makapunta sa mga [32:46] lugar na gusto nilang puntahan gayon din po ah sa usapin naman ng work and employment no ah [32:52] ah the the the protection and on the rights of persons with disability to find uh suitable work [33:00] or employment based on their skills and interest remains a persistent challenge many workplaces [33:06] remain non-compliant with the accessibility law and provisions of the magna carta for persons with [33:12] disability particularly due to the lack of guidance for employers on providing reasonable accommodation [33:19] and implementing disability inclusive recruitment and hiring process mechanisms to monitor and prevent [33:25] discrimination against persons with disabilities are also not in place in addition the inaccessibility [33:32] of public transportation continues to hinder persons with disabilities from finding and sustaining [33:38] employment under title 2 chapter 2 of the education access to education that respects the interest [33:44] and aspirations of persons with disabilities continue to test the resilience any reform under this [33:51] chapter should implement uh complement uh republic act number 11650 the instituting a policy of [33:58] inclusion and services for learners with disabilities to support uh in support of inclusive education act [34:05] and builds on its roadmap rather than create parallel mandates on promoting and protecting the rights of [34:14] persons with disabilities to equal access equal access to quality health care and rehabilitation programs [34:21] it remains very difficult as many services are still unavailable or inaccessible across large parts of [34:27] the country numerous persons with disabilities face barriers in obtaining the health care and rehabilitation [34:34] services they need resulting in poorer health outcomes due to issues of availability and affordability [34:42] on providing the necessary auxiliary social services that enable persons with disabilities to function and [34:48] participate fully in the community life it is essential that persons with disabilities are placed at the center of service design and delivery [34:56] the chapter requires substantial revision to reflect current thinking on the support requirements of persons with disabilities [35:03] under the existing provisions support is limited only to marginalized persons with disabilities which fails to account for the additional costs associated with living [35:13] with a disability the services also do not consider the full range of assistive devices as [35:19] as recommend as recommended in the world health organization's priority assisted products list moreover the chapter does not apply the social model of disability resulting in services that do not adequately support independent living and community inclusion [35:35] for example there is no provision for personal budget that would allow persons with disabilities to pay for their disability specific support [35:43] uh support services such as personal assistance services organizations of persons with disabilities are likewise not recognized as partners in service delivery their potential roles such as running peer support programs conducting awareness raising activities and providing capacity building for frontliners professionals and staff working with persons with disabilities [36:05] are not reflected in the current framework mr chair marami pa ho kaming comments dito initial comments po namin ah isasabit na lang po namin sa committee secretary po in the interest of time pero nandito po pwede nyo hong pagbasihan ito pagka po nagkandak kayo ng ah inquiry po ah sa implementation po ah sa implementation po nitong dalawang major [36:27] dos po natin marami po salamat po thank you po mr abner malapas of the ah life haven center for independent [36:35] living before we proceed uh living before we proceed uh quick uh quick uh question lang po executive director reloba [36:42] director reloba what have you been doing ma'am i mean your agency uh have you been going around and checking [36:50] kuya mga government offices nothing like pwd accessible because pag may umiikop ako may mga agencies [36:57] ako na babanggit ah nakita pero hindi ko na po babanggitin dito kasi bako ma-offend [37:02] mga kaibigan ko po yung ilang mga secretary hindi rin naman nakasalanan meron nga pong accessible nga po [37:10] kagaya sa mga persons with disability may yung pagka mga naka wheelchair sobrang taas naman ang wheelchair [37:17] paano ka naman makakaakyat doon eh siguro kailangan mo ng truck para itulak yung wheelchair napakataas masyado [37:24] matarek sa highway sa kalsada naglalagay nga basta mga sabi lang madaanan paano naman magkakasya [37:32] ang wheelchair eh dalawang dangkal lang the heck is going on have you been checking on this ma'am i mean [37:39] accessibility or yung mga restroom ng government offices i don't know kung sa amin dito sa senate eh [37:46] accessible po sa PWD ma matanong ko nga mamaya ang ika nga ang sekretaryat ano po kasi nakakahiya naman [37:54] pinag-uusapan natin dito tapos hindi naman pala dapat po nga pagkaintindi ko pag PWD yung restroom may hawakan diba pag lipat nyo [38:03] parang wala akong nakita mamaya tignan ko pero please answer that what have you been doing have you been going around and checking [38:08] kung talagang unahin na natin itong mga government offices are they accessible ma'am yung talagang [38:14] totoo hindi lang yun salita lang basta may akyatan lang may dapat din yung mga elevator may makapapo yung mga [38:22] disabled po wala pong paningin diba na makakapahaw nila yun dapat ganun when you say accessible [38:29] and accessible sa lahat please executive director renova thank you mr chair so since po nung 2024 [38:38] when i entered ncda binuuna po natin yung ating dcap team so it's sila po yung mga nag-audit [38:44] and we prioritize the 16 government agencies who are members of the ncda we conducted accessibility [38:52] audit with them together with dp did you say 16 government agencies yes uh 16 na po sir uh 16 or 60 [39:00] six one six po sir one six po yung governing board po natin it used to be 13 uh nito pong february [39:08] naglabas po na executive order ang ating mahal na presidente na in include na po nila ang [39:14] dsud tsaka po ang dep dev at tsaka po ang ched so dapat mo mam eh lahat po ng government agency [39:21] government office na po nang gobyerno dapat ang tayo po naging spearhead ng accessibility [39:31] maintindihan ko po po sa privado eh dahil dagdag gasto siya pero for a government agency government [39:38] office na hindi accessible aba eh papano nga naman makakapunta yung si uh mang juan o aling maria na may [39:45] kapansanan maka ma-access niya yung servisyo ng tanggapan na yun kung hindi siya makaakit doon makarating [39:53] ho doon ah yes sir ah syempre po inuna lang po namin yung ah board governing board kasi kami yung [40:00] nag-i-implement ng batas so dapat kami yung nagpapakita ng accessibility and ah in terms naman po [40:08] nung mga ibang ah ah buildings for infrastructure po na under po ang permit sa local government units it [40:15] is the pidaw offices po ah together with their um engineering sila po yung nag-audit po nito and we are [40:23] capacitating our our pidaw to conduct a standardized audit po and pursuant also to this ah ncda [40:31] also ah passed a resolution po na sa mga bagong ah lease of offices ng ating mga government kinakailangan [40:40] po na ah ah meron na po silang accessibility audit or accessible na po siya so naglabas na po si ncda [40:46] ng resolution na yan na dahil madami po tayong mga ah government offices na nire-rent so dapat po [40:53] before entering into a contract accessible na po siya sir [40:56] yung po yung ginagawa ho ninyo all right the next question naman po [41:03] lahat na po ba ng government offices natin tumatanggap ng mga pwd's kasi when i was in congress i [41:09] filed the bill requiring actually at least one percent of the total number of ah ah the employees of [41:18] that agency dapat a pwd i don't know na na tenga ho yung batas na yan pero what i am saying is ah [41:27] ah ah meron na po ba i mean lahat po ba kahit dun po sa inyo governing body na sinasabi nyo [41:34] lahat po ba sila may mga pwd's alam ko sa dswd meron po talagang number one po yun dahil when [41:41] i was a secretary ilang pwd's po ang nag-apply ho in aprubahan ko po but other agencies po meron po [41:47] ba ah yes sir ah we partner with civil service po at naglabas po tayo ng memo reiterating the one [41:55] percent mandatory hiring for government and even sa private po naglabas din po tayo na ng batas na [42:03] yung more than 100 po yung personnel nila they are encouraged to have one percent ng workforce po nila [42:11] is persons with disability and isa din pong maganda din naman na accomplishment is since uh 2024 po [42:18] 0.49 hindi po natin inaabot yung ating one percent but for this year po why is that ma'am [42:26] dakit din natin inaabot ah is it because sa interview pa lang pag nagkita na ng hr may naku masakit sa ulo [42:34] ito naku ang daming requirement nito maglalagay tayo ng mga facility maglalagay tayo ng mga cr maghire [42:42] lang tayo ng normal na tao di po ba mr manlapas ganon siguro ang thinking ng hr natin minsan [42:48] sa government offices wag na ho natin kunin ito dahil dagdag pasakit na gagastos pa tayo mga elevator [42:56] lalagyan natin ng mga buttons na para doon sa mga ikama may kapansanan sa paningin or mga naka [43:03] wheelchair dako dagdag lalagyan naman tayo ng rampa dito sa mga ito so hindi ko kayo nagtataka bakit [43:10] 49 percent lang ito i mean kung ako ko ko sa inyo siguro i will be asking why why 49 percent [43:16] bakit bakit wala ko kayong one percent dito sa inyong agency don't you do that ma'am [43:22] mr chair ngayon po in 2025 na ano po ng census ng civil service the 49 percent increases to 80 0.83 po so one [43:33] of the things na nakita po ni ncda is yung eligibility requirements so yung meron pong demand [43:39] pero yung supply bihira po sa persons with disability ang may eligibility coming to the entering the [43:47] government offices so the ncda performs free review po ng ating civil service para po makadagdag tayo [43:56] sa kanila and also we invited ang ating mga government offices ng lalong lalo na po ang kanila [44:03] pong mga HR pinapunta po natin sila sa isang accessibility center para makita po nila kung papano po mag hire [44:11] ng persons with disability and the provision of reasonable accommodation hindi po mahal katulad po [44:17] ng pag-a-adjust lang ng table paglalagay po ng screen reader para lang po ating ma-hire sila properly so [44:25] from time to time po tinatawag po natin ang mga HR ng ating mga government offices to capacitate [44:31] them on how to hire persons with disability poster opo kasi kung sasabihin nyo mabuti umakit po ng 80 [44:38] percent but i'm still not happy bakit hindi po marami na ho tayo mga persons with disabilities po na mga [44:44] graduate professionals may mga lawyers pa ho tayo they can compete wala naman hung ang problema kasi [44:52] karamihano ng persons with disabilities nanti nakapag-aral din naman yung alam problema mobility [44:58] because yung makamansanan they're confined to the wheelchair yung kailangan nila nga wala silang paningin [45:05] diba so go ahead mr malapas thank you mr chair uh we comment po yung mga ginagawa na po ng ating mga [45:13] government para ma-promote yung uh employability ng mga persons with disability pero ang nakatulang [45:19] pa po eh i'm not happy tama po kasi ko katulad ako po na experience ko po ito bilang wheelchair [45:26] user noong mga bata pa ako nag-upisa pala ako magtrabaho ako po ay nagwi wheelchair para pumasok [45:33] sa trabaho 20 kilometers papunta 20 kilometers pa uwi so nakaka-uwi ako alas 10 na ng gabi yun ay [45:40] kung hindi ako na stranded sa baha taga valensuela po ako pag na stranded ako madaling araw na ako [45:45] makaka-uwi tapos gigising ako na alas 4 ng umaga no para makapasok ulit ako patay ang katawan po may mga [45:51] training program po mag government man o ngo pero pagkatapos nilang matrain at nagkaroon na [45:57] ng skills ang lalayo po ng mga workplaces na nag nag nag nag nag hire ng persons with disability so [46:04] ah transportation po napakalaki hong problema naka experience din po ako noon ah may company po na gusto [46:12] akong ihire malapit lamang po of pati nga transportation ibibigay nila sa akin for free dahil nga may kapansanan [46:18] ako susundo ayahatid sundo po ako ng kanilang sariling sasakyan ng kumpanya pero hindi [46:24] ho accessible yung workplace so may problema ho kasi sa enforcement ng accessibility lo po [46:30] natin at yung mga iba pa pong mga provision ng batas na magagarantia na masusuportahan talaga na [46:38] ma-employ ang mga persons with disability natin katulad yung pag provide po ng reasonable [46:42] accommodation at yung ma-prevent po indiscrimination na katulad ng mga example po na naibibigay [46:48] nyo rin po kanina salamat po mr chair thank you mr milapas before we'll call to uh the next uh [46:53] presenter resource person uh ncda can you go around after this hearing or next few days or weeks or [47:03] months and inform the government agencies po natin na make sure na access may accessibility nga hindi yung [47:12] drawing lang na pag sinabi mong nakalagay basta may wheelchair sin tinitignan ko isang [47:18] office na pinuntahan ko paano magkakasya ang wheelchair dito e ganito lang ho kalapad e ganito [47:23] naman ho kalapad pa paano naman ho magkakasya o yung elevator papunta ho siya walang buttons na [47:30] papap na mababasa nung may kapansanan sa paningin di po ba oh di sana kung wala dat [47:36] maglagay silang elevator boy elevator girl anong floor ho kayo di ho ba so i am directing you ma'am to go [47:43] around government agencies and make sure na nakasunod po hindi lang basta accessibility including [47:53] bathroom and restroom come sec may i remind also the senate to place yung mga toilets natin make [48:00] sure na accessible po meron na po tayo sa elevator may elevator boy girls who tayo dyan na nagtatanong [48:07] pero yung napansin ko po yung restroom so natin public kailangan meron din po ano po go ahead [48:14] sir with regards to the restroom in terms of the female restroom meron naman pong cubicle for [48:23] uh pwd i'm not sure lang po sa male restroom because i have not been parang semelo wala [48:29] ho yata nakalimutan makakala nila pwds lang ho natin puro female kailangan din ho natin lagyan [48:37] meron po kayo sa pnd naman kasi ako nakakapasok sa female restroom so lagyan na rin [48:43] siguro natin ma'am yung mga male restrooms ano po yung public as sir per ano po information [48:49] from the osaa page um lahat naman po doon ng male restroom meron available na yes sir [48:56] meron po cubicle for people [48:57] kanyata ako dyan sa if i'm not mistaken sa second floor dito sa second floor saan ba yun [49:02] na parang wala ho yata but anyway pakicheck na lang ho siguro [49:07] bahit mas maganda ho siguro na meron ho tayo kasi we keep on talking gagawa tayo ng mga [49:12] batas sa accessibility kasi yung cr naman pala natin may problema go ahead mr malapas before we go [49:18] to another resource person yes mr chair bago po ko tumuli dito sa kwartong ito nag cr po [49:25] sa ground floor po may cubicle po doon na para sa persons with disability pero may ganyang kataas [49:30] po na step doon sa toilet bowl ano po at wala pong grab bar so paano ho kami makagamit doon [49:37] nang maayos so baka madisgrasya pa ho kami doon yun po yung sinasabi ko miss rulo ba [49:42] hindi po rin kita sabihing accessible e accessible na paano nga naman po ulilipat kung may kapansanan [49:49] po yung tao di po ba sa paglilipat kagaya po ng kapansanan na pagka movement pagka paglakad di po [49:56] ba or or baka mamaya may kapansanan po sa paningin wala di po makakita baka matalisod pa sumubsub [50:05] pa yung mukha niya sa inidoro jesus mariuset kasalanan pa natin ano po siguro kailangan [50:10] natin ayusin go ahead po mam rilova thank you mr chair we took note of your recommendation and we [50:16] will do that and uh para hindi tayo sabihin lang tao puro kwento tayo ala namang kwenta we [50:22] really have to sumulat na din po kami sa senate doon po sa dati pang president asking para [50:29] po ma-audit po namin ito hindi po kami nakareceive ng response well makakareceive [50:34] no response thank you all right i i assure you you will be receiving response come sec who's the [50:41] next uh resource person and next to present their position is the autism society of philippines [50:48] go ahead uh mama perez um good morning mr chair and to everyone present here today i represent the [50:58] autism society philippines a family-led organization serving filipinos on the autism spectrum and their [51:05] families since 1989 with 16 000 members and 100 106 chapters nationwide our position is guided by [51:15] the idea that disability support is a matter of rights not charity first a lifetime pwd id validity [51:26] asp supports lifetime validity for established permanent disabilities with appropriate safeguards [51:34] repeated renewals burdened persons with disabilities and their families autism is lifelong adulthood [51:42] employment or intervention does not erase disability we recommend simpler replacement procedures and clear [51:50] exceptions for temporary conditions second on disability support funds and allowances cash assistance [52:01] alone cannot overcome overcome overcome the lack of services for example speech to therapy can cost [52:09] 700 pesos to 1000 pesos per hour if a therapist is available our community needs accessible services [52:19] nationwide services must come before ayuda third on implementing existing laws the asp humbly asks the senate [52:31] to demand accountability from the executive branch for the following republic act 11228 despite the [52:41] recently announced government funding for mandatory field health coverage after more than eight years in limbo [52:49] asp partner employers who employ talent on the autism spectrum still lack clear implementing guidelines republic [52:59] act 10524 disability inclusive employers cannot access pwd employment related tax incentives because implementing procedures remain unclear [53:13] phil health z benefit package coverage for assessment and therapies remains limited to children under 18 and select government hospitals [53:25] we recommend extending access to autistic adults and engaging private community providers [53:31] to immediately expand to immediately expand availability republic act 11650 asb awaits full [53:40] implementation of the inclusive education law including fully staffed learning resource centers [53:48] specialist services personal training and other edcom 2 recommendations these gaps show that legislation [53:59] alone is insufficient without funding clear procedures accessible services and accountability [54:06] we look to the senate to uphold five principles rights before charity lifelong support [54:15] services before ayuda national responsibility with local delivery and accountability for public funds meaningful [54:25] inclusion requires accessible health care education rehabilitation employment support and community services [54:33] services throughout one's life not merely a monthly allowance the autism society philippines [54:42] we'll submit our full position paper to the committee secretary before the end of the day sir [54:50] is [54:56] so thank you [54:58] Thank you, Ms. Perez. Thank you. [55:00] Komsak, who's next? [55:03] For the topic, proposed Senate Resolution 186, last na po yung autism society. [55:08] Alright, well, before we move on, I have one last question to all our resource persons. [55:16] Unahing ko na po ang DSWD and followed by the NCDA, Mr. Abner and Ma'am Betsy. [55:23] You first, Aziz. Ano po ang specific legislative or policy measures [55:31] ang dapat natin isulong para sa PWDC? [55:35] Just sa inyong agency po. What do you think? [55:38] That they need more. [55:40] That the government should do mga legislative policy measures [55:49] para makatulong pa. Hindi yung puro kwento lang. [55:53] Thank you, Mr. Chair. [55:59] In fact, we have a lot of proposals before the legislative for improving the implementation, [56:13] for improving the DSWD in delivering services to our vulnerable constituents. [56:22] The only, usually most of the time, the only issue there is the financial or the logistic aspect. [56:33] The disability wants that it should be given more logistics in implementing its mandate. [56:42] However, we also understand that the government is not in a position to provide everything. [56:49] with respect to the issue on a specific bill. [56:53] We have so many bill messages here, which is addressed to a specific group in the society. [57:01] And some of them are still pending with different committees before the House and the Senate, Mr. Chair. [57:09] And we appreciate your reports in addressing the issue, especially when it comes to the vulnerable in our society, Mr. Chair. [57:24] Another question, sir. May free government services po ba tayo para sa PWDs? Do we have those? [57:29] May nabanggit po si ma'am pero very, very little, very limited. [57:33] Pati sa, yung nga sa PhilHealth po, 18 and below lang. [57:37] Paano nga kung tumungtong na 19, 20? [57:40] Yung mga may autism po sa ating bayan. [57:45] So are there, are there, are there speech, physical occupational therapy, [57:50] hindi po ba accessible ito sa mga PWDs? [57:53] Kasi medyo mahal po itong cost. [57:55] Ang problema po dito, sir, pag meron kang anak o miyembro ng pamilya na PWDs, lifetime po yun eh. [58:04] Ito pong problema din ng ilang mga magulang. [58:07] How will I leave, depart this world? [58:09] To whom shall I ikang recommend or iiwan, entrust this child of mine? [58:18] That's very painful, sir. Very, very painful. [58:21] Lalo na po yung mga, I don't know, yung mga nakahigalang, yung talagang disabled po. [58:28] They cannot communicate, they cannot stand up, they cannot walk. [58:31] Or yung isang bata po na pinanganak eh wala na ho talagang paningin, di ba? [58:38] Deaf and mute. [58:40] Ito po yung mga, ito yung problema ng mga magulang, kanino ko iintras itong anak ko? [58:48] How will she, he or she survive? [58:51] That's what we have to incorporate. [58:53] That's what we have to think. [58:56] Hindi lang po kayo DSWD and CDA, kundi lahat po ng government agencies. [59:01] How? [59:02] Kasi po, kung kayo po ay may anak na gano'n, you would siyempre be so scared. [59:08] Paano na itong anak ko? Paano mabubuhay ito if I die? [59:13] Uh, both parents, the father, the mother. [59:16] Sabihin natin yung bata, 25, 30 years old. [59:20] Will he or she survives? [59:22] Ay kung yan, nakakonfine lang sa kasambed. [59:25] Wala pong paningin, wala pong aming deaf and mute. [59:29] I mean, confined sa wheelchair. [59:31] Kasi confined pa po sa wheelchair, they can survive because they have the skills. [59:35] I mean, yung use their brains, their talent. [59:39] Pero yung iba po na talagang wala. [59:41] So, let me ask you again. [59:43] Paano po yung sinasabi nga ho ni Ma'am Perez na speech, physical, occupational therapy, [59:50] parang napakamahal po kasi ito. [59:52] Hanggang 18 and below lang. [59:54] Ito matanda din naman po itong mga PWDs natin, ASIC-ASIS. [59:58] Thank you, Mr. Sir. [59:59] In fact, we are only part of the DSWD. [1:00:07] We are doing what we can. [1:00:08] And recently, we have the project Aruga, which address some of the issues that you were discussing. [1:00:16] Aruga. [1:00:17] It is, it comes, this is, this was discovered. [1:00:23] Let me, yeah, then. [1:00:31] Before, before you answer me that, go ahead and review your notes, sir. [1:00:36] Let me just go to Executive Director Rilo. [1:00:38] Kayo ho, Ma'am. [1:00:39] Ano po specific, legislative policy measure? [1:00:43] Kayo ho, dapat na sa frontline dito, National Council for Disability Affairs. [1:00:48] Anong kailangan gusto nyo makita na batas na gawin po natin para, [1:00:53] kahit papano to alleviate ito pong hardships ng mga PWDs na encounter po nila sa araw-araw? [1:01:03] What do you think? [1:01:04] Thank you, Mr. Chair. [1:01:05] So, the National Council on Disability Affairs has nine priority legislative agenda. [1:01:10] All right. [1:01:11] Number one is the National Disability Authority Act, which reorganizes the NCDA. [1:01:16] Dahil konti lang po kami, we're only 60. [1:01:19] And 20 ang technical staff. [1:01:22] The rest are COS na po and MOA na po. [1:01:26] And also, it gives us a quasi-judicial power through the board para po maingipi na yung ating mga batas. [1:01:34] Number two is the Validity and Empowerment Act. [1:01:39] And then, the one that we will tackle next is the Validity of Persons with Disability ID Cards Act. [1:01:47] Number four is the Strengthening the PIDAO Law Act. [1:01:51] Kasi hanggang ngayon po, some of the LGUs hindi pa nagkikreate ng separate PIDAO para po sa ating mga persons with disability. [1:02:00] Kasi sa batas po, sinasabi na first to third class municipality, there should be a separate PIDAO offices. [1:02:07] And for the four to six class municipality, pwede po yung focal. [1:02:11] Pero ngayon po, for 400 pa lang po yung may separate PIDAO offices. [1:02:16] And then, the Persons with Disability Subsidy Act, ito po yung on a monthly basis na binibigay po natin. [1:02:23] And then, Persons with Disability Health and Rehabilitation Services Act. [1:02:28] And then, Inclusive Employment and Entrepreneurship Act for Persons with Disabilities. [1:02:33] And then, Inclusive Public Transport Act. [1:02:36] At ito po, Mr. Chair, yung binanggit niyo po kanina, ito pong bill ng care economy and community-based inclusive development, [1:02:46] CBID Act for Persons with Disability. [1:02:49] So, apart from the other benefits po ng ating persons with disability, we envision a care economy po. [1:02:55] Na yun pong nag-aalaga sa atin pong mga persons with disability ay magkaroon po sila or ma-monetize yung [1:03:02] ang paid care work of women as well as establishing community care system [1:03:08] para po maturuan po natin na magkaroon ng independent living ang ating pong persons with disability. [1:03:14] Mr. Chair, maraming salamat po. [1:03:16] Thank you, Executive Director. [1:03:18] Let's go back to ASEC Aziz. [1:03:20] Yung sinasabi niyo pong ARUGA project. [1:03:23] What is that? [1:03:24] Thank you, Mr. Sir. [1:03:26] Project ARUGA, formerly known as the Project Chiris or a community-based social protection program [1:03:35] is perheated by the Department of DSWD through its Social Technology Bureau. [1:03:41] Developed alongside UNISIP and Australian Aid. [1:03:46] Baka andupato kayipata serang secretary during that time, no? [1:03:51] Specifically addresses the high cost of unique needs of raising children with disabilities in poor and vulnerable households. [1:04:01] Now, the core components of this was then converted recently into Project ARUGA. [1:04:09] Project ARUGA provides holistic support that gets beyond its standard CAS and aid system. [1:04:15] Number one is the disability support allowance or DSE. [1:04:20] This is a financial assistance intended to exceed expenses like medicine, nutritional needs, [1:04:27] medical supplies, and transportation for therapy sessions. [1:04:32] For instance, the initial pilot trans provided for a total of $10,000 per household, [1:04:38] while subsequent expansion implemented the $2,000 monthly allowance. [1:04:44] The capability building providing training to parents, home care volunteers, [1:04:49] and local caregivers on how to look after the children with specific physical and developmental disabilities. [1:04:58] This is a multi-agency reference linking families directly to partners for vital welfare needs, [1:05:05] including health insurance, specialized therapies, education, and livelihood support. [1:05:12] We also have the peer support network, setting up local support groups, [1:05:18] where parents and guardians can simply exchange coping strategies on emotional guidance. [1:05:26] Now, as of the 2026, the Project ARUGA is in the pilot testing phase. [1:05:32] This means individual cannot directly apply for the program at this time, no? [1:05:36] But this is piloted. Instead, the WD identifies qualified beneficiaries [1:05:43] through a strict process of profiling, assessment, and verification using existing data [1:05:49] from local persons with disability appears to face. [1:05:53] Now, this has been pilot tested in almost all regions, Mr. Chair. [1:06:02] As of today, they have assisted 1,140 children with disabilities and parents' care givers. [1:06:12] That's it, Mr. Chair. [1:06:14] Thank you, Asek Aziz. [1:06:16] I hope that this is how the pilot implementation will come soon. [1:06:24] I hope that this will come soon, nationwide, [1:06:28] so that there will be a lot of success. [1:06:31] All right. Before I ask Mr. Manlapas and Ms. Perez, [1:06:36] dito muna tayo sa Field Health. [1:06:38] I noticed we have a representative from Field Health. [1:06:41] Ms. Hazel Velasco, yung sinasabi po ni Ms. Perez ng Autism Society of the Philippines, [1:06:46] na kami ho sa opisina ko sa Quezon City, sa action center ko, [1:06:51] ganun din po sa Palawan and sa Sambuanga, I have action centers po. [1:06:57] Nagtatanong po, naghihingi po ng tulong. [1:07:00] Tama po siya, may ilang may autism po, [1:07:04] na iyong magulang po nahingi ng suporta para pangpa-therapy. [1:07:11] Eh kasi nga po yata kayo hanggang 18 and below lang. [1:07:14] So whatever happened dun sa mga 18 pataas, [1:07:18] hindi na nako-cover ng Field Health to you. [1:07:21] Pwede mo pag-aralan hun niya because that's what's the complaint, [1:07:24] what I heard from Ms. Betsy here, [1:07:27] na 18 below, tama Ms. Betsy, [1:07:30] ang yung kuha ng gobyerno ng Field Health, [1:07:33] pero 18 and over, bahala na yung mga magulang sa buhay ng mga anak nila. [1:07:38] Can you look into this, Ms. Velasco? [1:07:40] Kasi it's concerning. [1:07:42] Kasi hanggang 18 lang ba ang buhay ng mga PWDs, [1:07:46] ng mga may autism? [1:07:48] Hindi ba? Eh di, they go beyond. [1:07:50] So, baka pwede hong pag-aralan natin. [1:07:52] I don't know kung papano kayo ninyo i-allocate ng funds mo yan. [1:07:56] Please, let me hear from you, ma'am. [1:08:00] Yes, we acknowledge the suggestion, honorable Senator. [1:08:04] But let me also put into record the basis of Field Health [1:08:09] as I remember that while we have, [1:08:13] dahil po inuna namin yung mga 0 to 18 years old, [1:08:17] kasi malaki po yung chance na ma-save pa po namin sila [1:08:23] kasi yung development po. [1:08:24] So yun ang priority ng Field Health. [1:08:27] And for the 18 years old and above, [1:08:30] I will, yes, sir, as suggested, [1:08:33] I will suggest po sa mga heads namin. [1:08:36] Pero yun po yung reason, sir, bakit po. [1:08:38] Ang main reason, kasi ano po eh, [1:08:41] as I said, mabilis po, [1:08:44] kumbaga inaagapan po yung age na yun on the therapy [1:08:48] kasi yung mga developing pa po sila, [1:08:51] baka ma-save pa po at ma-normalize po yung kanilang mga situation. [1:08:55] Now, I understand, ma'am. [1:08:56] Pero yung mga sabihin, siguro baka pwede nating pag-aralan. [1:08:59] Di po ba? [1:09:00] After beyond 18 years old. [1:09:02] Di po ba? [1:09:03] Kasi tutala naman ho, ma'am. [1:09:05] Lahat naman tayo nagko-contribute sa Field Health na yan. [1:09:07] Tapos meron po kayong budget din naman. [1:09:09] We allocate budget po sa Field Health. [1:09:11] So, go ahead. [1:09:13] Yes, sir. [1:09:14] Yung package po sa Field Health regarding that ay pinaiigting na po ng aming acting president and CEO, [1:09:20] Ms. Acting President and CEO, Lorraine Ho. [1:09:24] So, we are assured, be assured po na she will look up into that. [1:09:29] And for the record lang din po, Field Health is also doing its part for the coverage of persons with disability. [1:09:40] And now po, we also covered the premium contribution of the employed persons with disability starting October 2026 this month. [1:09:51] Hindi na po sila magbabayad ng kanilang premium contribution which is subsidized po siya ng national government. [1:09:57] Ay, salamat naman sa Diyos ano po. [1:09:59] Napakinggan ng Panginoon Diyos yung panlalangin ng sambayanan ng mga BWDs. [1:10:03] Yes, but that's a good news po sa lahat. [1:10:05] Ay, salamat po. [1:10:07] Anyway, moving forward. [1:10:09] Mr. Malapas, let's hear from you. [1:10:12] What specific legislative or policy measures that you want the Senate to adopt, this committee, sir, [1:10:18] that can truly help persons with disabilities, like lalo na physical disabilities? [1:10:23] Thank you, Mr. Chair. [1:10:26] Marami po talaga pero siguro kung ipaprioritize lamang para sa kasalukuyang Congress natin, [1:10:33] ang una po yung amendment talaga ng accessibility law. [1:10:37] Kasi masyadong nakafocus siya sa physical tapos hindi rin maayos yung tungkol sa public transportation. [1:10:45] Napakalaki po ng impact ng public transportation ahit doon sa mga walang kapansanan. [1:10:52] Eh di lalo na po sa aming mga may kapansanan. [1:10:55] Napakalaki po ng impact niya siya. [1:10:57] O isa sa mga pinakamalaking gastusin na mayroong mobility impairment po. [1:11:01] At nadidiscriminate po yung mga merong non-apparent disability na tinatawag natin, [1:11:08] yung mga may intellectual disabilities, psychosocial disabilities, [1:11:12] na nawibirduhan sila so napagkakainteresan doon sa paggamit ng public transport natin. [1:11:21] There are many instances sa LRT-MRT natin naka paskel, bawal sumakay ang may psychosocial dito. [1:11:28] Yung ganun pong klase yung mga paskel mismo nagagaling sa mga public transport na tayo ang nag-ooperate at nagsusuport. [1:11:36] Sabi, bawal ang psychosocial? [1:11:39] Opo. [1:11:40] Opo. [1:11:41] Bakit daw? [1:11:42] Siyempre, hindi yun namin maipano ngayon. [1:11:45] Matagal na po nangyari, dalawa tatlong beses po yun binring up namin sa NCDA subcommittee. [1:11:50] Matagal na po yun mga siguro. [1:11:53] It should not be repeated, sir. [1:11:55] Yes. [1:11:56] Kahit na matagal na yun. [1:11:57] Because baka maulit eh. [1:11:59] Opo. [1:12:00] Parang ikaw nga dinidiinan mo pa. [1:12:03] May sugat na nga susugatan mo ulit. [1:12:06] Why? [1:12:07] Hindi po ba? [1:12:08] I mean, you're just lucky na lahat tayo dito, [1:12:12] karamihan sa atin dito, halos lahat sa atin dito, [1:12:15] we're born normal. [1:12:17] Now, we don't experience what these people with disability experience right now. [1:12:21] Or have to live through. [1:12:23] Di po ba? [1:12:24] That you and me are normal people. [1:12:27] Di ba? [1:12:28] We don't have to ride in a wheelchair. [1:12:30] We don't have to use ikanga crutches to go to the office. [1:12:34] Or a cane to go to work. [1:12:36] Di po ba? [1:12:37] We're just lucky that we have this, [1:12:40] all of our ikanga faculties are working. [1:12:44] So, Mr. Rollova, take note of that. [1:12:46] Alright? [1:12:47] I mean, dapat ito hindi na humangyari yan. [1:12:49] Yes, go ahead. Continue, Mr. Malapas. [1:12:51] Then we go to Ms. Betsy. [1:12:53] Go ahead po. [1:12:54] Thank you, Mr. Chair. [1:12:58] Tama po yun. [1:12:59] Marami pa ang issue, [1:13:00] pero yun nga po, [1:13:01] sana maamen talaga natin na maging comprehensive [1:13:03] ayon sa Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability. [1:13:06] Sumunod po yung Disability Support Allowance. [1:13:10] Ano po? [1:13:11] Sa kahikipagtulungan natin sa ating mga legislator ay na-draft natin itong bill na ito. [1:13:18] At ngayon po sa House of Representatives ay nasa Committee on Appropriation na. [1:13:23] At nagpapasalamat kami at ngayon ay didinggin din po natin yung tungkol dito. [1:13:28] Napaka-importante nito para sa mga recurring expenses ng mga persons with disabilities [1:13:34] para hindi na siya palagi ang pang mag-a-apply sa IEX. [1:13:38] Napakahira pong mag-a-apply dyan yung mga documentary requirements, [1:13:42] yung oras na nawawala sa'yo. [1:13:45] Let me just cut you there, Mr. Malapas. [1:13:47] Ayaw ko saanong kayo pumila, [1:13:49] pero I believe po nung panahon namin, [1:13:51] binawasan namin yan, [1:13:53] and in-adopt po ni Secretary Gatchalian, [1:13:56] na binawasan nyo na po. [1:13:58] Dati po, nung una ko salang dyan, [1:14:00] 20 na papeles ang dala-dala mo, [1:14:02] akala mo kukuha ka ng million-million na ayuda na [1:14:06] kung pwede isang portfolio, [1:14:08] hila mong ilatag dyan sa harap ng social worker. [1:14:12] We cut it down and I would like to thank this good Secretary [1:14:16] for following again, [1:14:18] for continuing that, [1:14:19] na binawasan na po ating 3 or 4 na lamang Puyanta [1:14:22] or less during the time of Secretary. [1:14:25] So, yes sir, go ahead. [1:14:26] Go ahead po, Mr. Malapas. [1:14:28] Thank you po, Mr. Chair. [1:14:29] Bagamat kaunti na lang po, [1:14:31] pero kung ito naman ay recurring expenses, [1:14:33] sana hindi na tayo nag-a-apply pa nito para... [1:14:36] Actually sir, every 3 months, [1:14:39] panakatanggap ka ngayon, [1:14:41] susunod ka na tatanggap after 3 months pa po. [1:14:43] Yeah, I understand where you're coming from. [1:14:45] Tama po kayo. [1:14:46] Opo. [1:14:48] So, yung mga gastusin nila na ganun nga po, [1:14:50] mga maintenance medicine [1:14:52] na hindi naman available sa government natin, [1:14:54] mga diapers, catheter, [1:14:56] mga ganyan-ganyan po. [1:14:58] Yun po, sana po ay maipasanan natin ito [1:15:00] ngayong Congress po, [1:15:02] dahil medyo matagal na po yung advocacy namin dito, [1:15:05] 2011 pa po namin ito hinihingi sa Congress. [1:15:07] So, ngayon lang po talaga umuusad ng maganda po. [1:15:11] At may position paper din po kami dyan mamaya nababasahin. [1:15:15] Sumunod po yung assistive devices po. [1:15:17] Naalala ko po, Sen. Erwin Tulfo, [1:15:20] nung kayo po ang sekretary ng DSWD, [1:15:23] pinirmahan nyo po itong [1:15:27] administrative order na ito, no? [1:15:29] Para yung local government natin ay [1:15:31] i-deliver itong servisyo na ito [1:15:33] pero mukhang hindi pa po siya [1:15:35] nai-implement ng kahit anong LGU po natin. [1:15:38] So, pero napaka-importante po nito [1:15:40] kasi kung wala po akong wheelchair, wala po ako dito. [1:15:43] Kung wala po akong wheelchair, paano ako? [1:15:45] Makakapag-aral, makakapag-trabaho. [1:15:47] Yung mga iba pong mga persons with disability, [1:15:50] kahit yung mga non-apparent, [1:15:52] gumagamit din po ng mga assistive devices yan. [1:15:54] Halimbawa, mga smartphone, mga tablets, [1:15:57] mga tools ito na ginagamit nila [1:16:00] na baka hindi natin alam na nakakatulong [1:16:03] para sa kanilang functionality. [1:16:05] May mga apps na tumutulong sa kanila [1:16:09] sa memory aid, para sa task reminder, [1:16:14] mga ganyan na problema na may, [1:16:16] for example, yung mga autistic people, [1:16:19] So, ang laki po nitong bagay para sa amin [1:16:23] na dapat talaga natin ma-develop po. [1:16:25] And then, yung panghuli po namin na [1:16:29] gusto na maipusulong ay yung personal assistance service po. [1:16:33] Nabanggit po ni Ma'am Relova yung care economy. [1:16:37] So, sa amin po, sa independent living, [1:16:40] tiyatawag po namin personal assistance ito, [1:16:42] hindi po caregiver. [1:16:44] Kasi po, kami po ang nagda-direct noong survey issue, [1:16:46] kung ano yung servisyo na kailangan namin. [1:16:48] Sa kasalukuyan po, ongoing po yung consultation namin. [1:16:52] Meron na po kaming initial draft [1:16:54] nitong personal assistance bill na ito. [1:16:56] At pag natapos po yung aming huling consultation na gagawin [1:17:00] para sa mga older people, [1:17:02] ipa-finalize po namin yung draft namin [1:17:04] at hopefully po ay supportahan po [1:17:06] ng inyong opisina itong personal assistance service na ito. [1:17:10] Napakalaking bagay po ito [1:17:12] kasi may mga taong may kapansanan [1:17:15] na kailangan niya ng human assistance [1:17:17] para makapag-function ng maigi po. [1:17:19] At mag-create din puro siya ng job sa mga tao po. [1:17:24] Isahalip na gamitin natin yung pera sa mga pagpaumanhin [1:17:28] na magandang intention ng mga cash-for-work natin [1:17:31] na katulad ng tupad [1:17:33] pero ginagamit sa mga kunwari na ginilinis-linis. [1:17:37] Hindi naman kailangan yung mga ganong klaseng trabaho [1:17:40] kaya kaya hong gawin niya ang komunidad natin yan. [1:17:42] Pero yung ganitong mga servisyo na unfunded, [1:17:45] yun yung lapat dagyan ng pondo [1:17:47] para mag-create ng servisyo [1:17:51] para sa mga tao po [1:17:53] katulad ng personal assistance service. [1:17:55] Salamat po. [1:17:57] Thank you very much. [1:17:58] Quickly before I ask Ms. Betsy. [1:18:02] Sa DOTR po natin, [1:18:04] Director Rodriguez or ASSEC, [1:18:06] sa ating bus carousel, [1:18:09] meron po ba tayong pinaprioritize po ba natin ang mga PWDs natin? [1:18:14] Nakikita ko priority po sa trains natin, [1:18:17] sa LRT, MRT, sa PNR, [1:18:20] pero sa bus carousel po natin. [1:18:22] I don't know if you can answer that. [1:18:24] Meron po bang priority na pag may kapansanan po [1:18:28] na una sila, [1:18:29] they will be first to get in, sir, [1:18:32] or to get out of the bus? [1:18:34] Mr. Chair, members of the committee, [1:18:36] for the EDSA busway project po, [1:18:39] we started our retrofitting of the stations. [1:18:41] We recognize that the previous designs [1:18:43] were not compliant with the BP 344. [1:18:46] Hindi po lahat merong lift, [1:18:49] hindi po lahat merong ramp for persons with disabilities. [1:18:54] But right now, we manage to retrofit yung kamuning po. [1:18:59] Isa po ito dun sa pinaka malaking ginawa namin for last year, [1:19:03] and with the help of other agencies din po, [1:19:08] we are asking for assistance dun sa mga designs po natin. [1:19:12] For the new stations naman po, [1:19:14] we are constructing three new stations at PTEX, [1:19:17] Cobao, and Magallanes, [1:19:19] all of which are compliant with the BP 344 po. [1:19:22] Lahat po ito may rampa, may lift, and may elevators. [1:19:26] Meron po kaming ilo-launch na i-open, [1:19:29] na bagong retrofit na apat na station, [1:19:31] Monumento, bagong barrio, North Avenue, and Guadalupe, [1:19:35] all of which meron po tayong tactile pavers, [1:19:37] ramps, and lifts. [1:19:39] So we are moving in that direction po right now. [1:19:42] Yun nga lang po, maaantala po yung progress namin for next year, [1:19:46] kasi other than the four and the three new stations, [1:19:49] we still need to work on around 14 stations po na existing, [1:19:54] na hindi po 100% compliant with BP 344. [1:19:58] It's just unfortunate na for next year, [1:20:00] na slash po yung budget na nirequest namin. [1:20:03] If we can get back the budget that we requested po, [1:20:06] we ensure that by middle of 2028, [1:20:09] we can finish retrofitting all stations. [1:20:12] How do you budget because I'm the Vice Chair of the Finance, [1:20:16] Senate Committee on Finance? [1:20:18] Magkano po yung wheelchairs here [1:20:20] para ma-retrofit yung mga busways niya? [1:20:23] Kasi nagreklamo po sa akin na PWD siya, [1:20:27] hirap na hirap po siya, may kapansanan siya sa movement, [1:20:30] naka-wheelchair po siya. [1:20:33] So, kailan ho kaya yan? [1:20:35] Yes sir. [1:20:36] Actually sir, you know, yung pinakamag... [1:20:38] I don't know if yung busway natin, [1:20:40] you patterned that after Jakarta and Indonesia na, [1:20:43] hindi na ho bababa yung tao eh. [1:20:45] Parang pagtapat ng bus, [1:20:47] diretso na yung tao, [1:20:48] may platform mo siya eh. [1:20:49] Tama po yun. [1:20:50] The low curb design po ensures that the curb [1:20:53] will be aligned with the floor of the low floor buses [1:20:57] para dire-diretso po. [1:20:58] On the other buses po na hindi low... [1:21:00] Taso mo nga sir, [1:21:01] problema yung pintuan natin na baligtan sa kanan. [1:21:04] So, yun ang problem natin. [1:21:06] We gave moratorium po to bus operators [1:21:09] that until December or until first quarter of next year, [1:21:12] mag-comply na po sila sa left side doors. [1:21:15] Yung mga mas mataas naman po ng mga doors ng buses, [1:21:18] pinapalagyan po natin ang rampa, [1:21:20] directly going dun sa level ng platform po natin. [1:21:23] All right. [1:21:24] Thank you for bringing that to my attention. [1:21:25] I will discuss this with our finance chair, [1:21:28] si Senator J.B. Ercito. [1:21:30] Yes. [1:21:31] Regarding diyan po si sinasabi nyo na nakat po. [1:21:34] Hindi naman po tayo papayag na makakat po yan. [1:21:37] E importante po yan. [1:21:38] All right. [1:21:39] Thank you po, Director Rodriguez. [1:21:41] Ma'am Betsy Perez, [1:21:43] quickly lamang po, [1:21:45] ano po mga specific legislative policy measure [1:21:47] because we're running out of time [1:21:49] that you want us to work on, ma'am? [1:21:54] Actually, the Philippines po has a lot of good laws pertaining to PWDs. [1:21:59] Yun nga lang po. [1:22:00] They're not fully implemented. [1:22:02] But specifically, I would just like to add on what ma'am from PhilHealth said. [1:22:07] Kasi dito po it was mentioned that children under 18, [1:22:10] but we also want to point out that there are only very select government hospitals [1:22:15] who cater to PWDs with developmental disabilities. [1:22:19] Um, sa buong bansa po kasi, as far as I know, lima lang po. [1:22:23] So, isa po sa Baguio, dalawa po dito sa NCR, [1:22:26] isa sa Visayas, isa po sa Mindanao. [1:22:29] So, hindi po talaga, yung sinasabi po ng ating presidente na dadamihan ang libreng therapy, [1:22:36] maganda rin po sana na ma-expand po, dumami po yung mga hospitals na magka-cater [1:22:42] para po ito sa mga batang ito. [1:22:44] And then, um, kasi sa ngayon nga po... [1:22:48] Hold on there, ma'am. Hold on. [1:22:49] Mr. Raimundo, you're from the DOH, right? [1:22:52] Maybe you can bring this. [1:22:53] I know it's not under your department, [1:22:56] your senior health program, disease prevention, [1:22:59] pero I want to bring this up to the top management of the Department of Health [1:23:03] na baka pwede po nating dagdagan sa mga government hospitals po natin, yung mga therapy. [1:23:08] Isang problema ko siya, na-encounter namin, every week, may pupunta po sa office namin, [1:23:13] yung reklamo na sa private po yung ika nga rehab, rehabilitation po na may mga autism. [1:23:20] Baka pwede po, lagyan na natin yung mga government hospitals. [1:23:23] Can we do that? [1:23:26] At sya ka, mas mura siguro yung pag-government po yung through PhilHealth. [1:23:31] What do you think? [1:23:34] Good morning po, Mr. Chair. [1:23:37] Noted po, Mr. Chair, I will ding it up with our department po. [1:23:42] Pangulo na rin po nagsabi, nadadagdagan niya. [1:23:45] Eh, kailangan na po natin siguro kumilas. [1:23:47] You have to remind our new secretary, [1:23:49] and I trust our new secretary na no-nonsense po ito pag sinabi niya, [1:23:54] and ginagawa niya based on experience. [1:23:56] I mean, I've been following the performance of our new secretary now, [1:24:00] the Department of Health. [1:24:01] So, maybe you can bring it to the attention and tell him that this was requested [1:24:07] by Social Welfare Chairman, Senator Tulpo, [1:24:12] na baka pwede. [1:24:13] Dagdagan pa po, hindi yung po lima, [1:24:15] dahil mas maganda kung mas marami sa mga, [1:24:18] lalo sa mga provinces po, ma'am. [1:24:20] Di po ba? [1:24:21] And just to add lang, Mr. Chair, [1:24:24] just recently, I guess, we have a meeting with PhilHealth [1:24:28] at the section po ng benefit packages, [1:24:31] and they are checking, [1:24:32] kasi di ba sir, merong lay benefit package for persons with, [1:24:36] children with disabilities below 18, [1:24:38] and tama naman sinabi ni Mames, [1:24:40] only small numbers pa lang po ang naka-registered or accredited po [1:24:45] through PhilHealth. [1:24:46] And with the discussion po with them, [1:24:48] they're already ongoing discussion na [1:24:51] yung requirements po, like number of doctors, [1:24:55] I mean, requirements, like sa person doctors, [1:24:57] na list po dun sa requirements. [1:24:59] I guess they're proposing for at least one of the list po [1:25:04] ng mga professionals and also mga manpower, [1:25:08] like allied professionals like PPOT. [1:25:11] So they are still also looking at at least anyone, [1:25:14] I mean, any one of the lists, [1:25:17] para po makapag-apply o magpa-accredit po ang mga, [1:25:21] not only siguro sir, government facilities or hospitals, [1:25:24] but as well private as well. [1:25:26] Thank you po. [1:25:27] Thank you po. [1:25:28] Thank you po, Mr. Ramon. [1:25:29] Ma'am Perez, go ahead, continue. [1:25:31] Okay. [1:25:32] Isa pa rin po na hinihiling po namin na matutukan [1:25:36] ay yung pong RA 11650, the inclusive education law. [1:25:41] Because as of now, medyo mabagal po ang implementation nito. [1:25:45] So we are asking for that immediate implementation. [1:25:48] This is because as our field... [1:25:50] This is what you've been mentioning in Mr. Panlapas. [1:25:53] These are in your position papers, rama po ah? [1:25:56] Is this correct? [1:25:58] RA 11650. [1:25:59] No, yours RA 11. [1:26:00] Yung suggestion nyo po kanina yung when I asked you [1:26:03] about the specific legislative and policy measures [1:26:06] that you want us to work on, [1:26:08] nasa position paper po ninyo. [1:26:10] It is not? [1:26:11] Mr. Kerala pa po. [1:26:12] Hindi pa po namin nailagay yung sa personal assistant. [1:26:15] Okay. [1:26:16] After this po si Goza hearing, [1:26:18] maybe you can submit your position paper [1:26:20] so that we can work on this. [1:26:21] Go ahead, continue, Ms. Perez. [1:26:23] Yes po. [1:26:24] For children with developmental disability, [1:26:26] it is right po that very important po yung mabata pa sila, [1:26:32] naaagapan na po. [1:26:34] Early intervention is very vital [1:26:37] para po sa pag-unlad nitong mga batang ito. [1:26:40] Kaya hinihiling, [1:26:41] marami po tayong mag-aaral sa ating po mga government schools [1:26:45] na hindi po nakakatanggap ng therapy [1:26:47] precisely because it's expensive [1:26:49] and there is no access to public therapy services. [1:26:54] So hinihiling na DSWD is also a partner agency in RA 11650. [1:26:59] So we'd really like, [1:27:00] we are at the appeal to our government [1:27:02] to fast track the full implementation of RA 11650. [1:27:06] And I hope, we hope that ma-clarify din po [1:27:11] kung ano po yung responsibilities po ng LGU po natin [1:27:16] sa pagpapatupad nitong RA 11650. [1:27:19] Thank you, sir. [1:27:21] Thank you, Ms. Betsy Perez-Solo. [1:27:35] All right. [1:27:36] Come a sec. [1:27:39] Are there more resource present? [1:27:40] That's it for this Senate? [1:27:43] For proposed Senate Resolution 186, [1:27:46] we have finished na pa the presentation. [1:27:49] Okay. [1:27:50] Well, since there are no further matters to discuss [1:27:54] on Senate Resolution No. 186, [1:27:57] may ask all the resource persons [1:28:00] if you have additional agenda, [1:28:04] please submit it to the committee secretary [1:28:07] because the committee secretary is hereby directed [1:28:11] to prepare the necessary committee report, [1:28:13] taking into consideration the discussions that transpired here today. [1:28:18] After which, of course, we will be, [1:28:21] I will be sponsoring this on the floor [1:28:24] and there will be discussions at the plenary [1:28:26] and then hopefully this will be passed. [1:28:28] So we'll try to finish this probably until early next year. [1:28:34] All right. [1:28:35] We'll work on this. [1:28:36] So that's it. [1:28:39] Thank you. [1:28:41] Thank you. [1:28:42] We're done with Resolution No. 186. [1:28:47] We now proceed with the discussions [1:28:49] and providing a lifetime validity of IDs to PWDs [1:28:53] with permanent, or no, with permanent disabilities. [1:29:00] Yes. No, we've already discussed that. [1:29:02] Didn't we? [1:29:05] Okay. [1:29:06] This is the continuation public hearing conducted [1:29:08] by the committee last December 9, 2025. [1:29:11] May now ask Executive Director Rilova [1:29:17] to present their position or the topic [1:29:19] or give an update regarding the granting of lifetime validity [1:29:23] of PWD IDs. [1:29:24] Kasi nga po, common sense na lang po ito. [1:29:28] Hindi po ba, [1:29:29] pag wala na pong iganga pa, [1:29:30] wala na mga kamay, [1:29:31] hindi po nakita, [1:29:32] nakakonfine na forever and ever sa higaan, [1:29:35] wala na talaga yung chance. [1:29:37] Kailangan ba ba siya magpabalik-balik pumunta sa mga opisina [1:29:41] para makapag-renew? [1:29:43] Okay. [1:29:44] Ewan ko, bakit? [1:29:45] Sana sinaman na po ito na ipinasan natin itong batas na ito dati. [1:29:49] Go ahead po, Executive Director Rilova. [1:29:52] Yes, sir. [1:29:54] Following the initial discussion on the validity of ID, [1:29:58] the initiative of ANCDA are as follows. [1:30:01] The National Council on Disability Affairs expresses its support [1:30:05] for Senate bills number 1405, 1958, and 2134, [1:30:10] which seeks to provide lifetime validity for identification cards [1:30:15] issued to persons with disabilities. [1:30:18] These measures are consistent with the state's policy [1:30:21] under the 1987 constitution. [1:30:24] RA number 7277 is amended by RA 9442 and the UNCRPD [1:30:30] to protect and promote the rights, dignity, and welfare of persons [1:30:34] with disability. [1:30:36] The proposed measure likewise complement and align with the newly issued [1:30:41] NCDA administrative order number 1 series of 2026 [1:30:46] on the unified persons with disability ID system, [1:30:50] which promotes standardized secure and accessible identification [1:30:54] and verification mechanism. [1:30:56] This was approved on February of 2026. [1:30:59] Granting lifetime validity to identification cards for persons [1:31:03] with disabilities will reduce repetitive documentation, [1:31:08] administrative burdens, and unnecessary expenses while facilitating [1:31:13] continuous access to benefits and privileges under existing laws. [1:31:17] In view of the foregoing, the NCDA respectfully supports the passage [1:31:22] of these measures subject to appropriate safeguards to ensure the integrity [1:31:27] of the identification system and the protection of personnel data. [1:31:31] The NCDA remains committed to working with the Senate and other stakeholders [1:31:36] toward a more inclusive society where the rights of persons with disabilities [1:31:40] are fully recognized and respected. [1:31:43] Mr. Chair. [1:31:45] All right. [1:31:46] Thank you. [1:31:47] Executive Committee Secretary. [1:31:49] Yes. [1:31:50] Second to present their position and the lifetime validity of PWDIDs [1:31:55] is the Department of the Interior and Local Government. [1:31:58] All right. [1:32:00] Attorney Villasper, go ahead, Paul. [1:32:04] Good morning, Mr. Chair, members of the committee. [1:32:10] The Department reiterates its support for the legislative intent [1:32:13] of the proposed measures recognizing the granting of the lifetime validity [1:32:17] of PWD identification cards. [1:32:20] However, to ensure consistency, administrative efficiency, and appropriate safeguards, [1:32:26] we of the department recommends the following. [1:32:30] First is to streamline the PWDID issuances through just the city or municipal mayor, [1:32:36] no longer the barangay, because it is in line with the prevailing laws and regulations [1:32:43] that it is the city or municipal mayor who actually issues PWD cards. [1:32:47] Actually, I agree with you. [1:32:48] I mean, bakit barangay captain po ang mag-a-approve ho niya? [1:32:54] Baka may kamag-anak po ho niya yan. [1:32:56] Eh, hindi naman ho lifetime yung kapansanan ng kamag-anak niya, i-approvehan niya. [1:33:01] I disagree with that. [1:33:03] Tama naman ho yan. [1:33:04] And dapat, pero po talaga medical certificate that it will really state there [1:33:08] na itong disability ng individual is lifetime until he or she grows old. [1:33:13] Di po ba? [1:33:14] Na hindi na magagamot. [1:33:15] So continue, Ms. Villasper. [1:33:17] And also, to recognize also the use of the Philippine identification card [1:33:23] rather than the passport because the passport doesn't really necessarily include [1:33:27] the disability of such person. [1:33:31] And then I agree also, the department also agrees that the issuance of medical certification [1:33:36] by a licensed practitioner especially for non-apparent disabilities. [1:33:42] And then lastly, in order to prevent the fraudulent use of PW IDs, although we do support the issuance of the lifetime, [1:33:50] at least the identity verification or record updating mechanisms on such IDs. [1:33:56] Are we on the same page when you say lifetime validity only for those talagang disabilities [1:34:02] na wala na po talagang pag-ausa? [1:34:04] Like for example, talagang lifetime yung movement nila, yung physical, ika nga disability, [1:34:10] and they cannot walk, they cannot, I mean wala na po mga arms or deaf and mute. [1:34:16] You agree? [1:34:18] More of po doon sa non-apparent kasi. [1:34:20] Okay. [1:34:22] So, of course, yung non-apparent, minsan na yung fraudulent issuance po kasi. [1:34:26] Right. [1:34:27] Just to safeguard the bill, we're recommending additional safeguards. [1:34:31] Pero for the apparent or the obvious na talagang permanent, it's no longer necessary. [1:34:36] Alright, thank you. [1:34:37] Is that it? [1:34:39] That's all you're on. [1:34:40] Alright, thank you, Attorney Villasper. [1:34:43] Comsec. [1:34:44] Next to present is the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines. [1:34:48] Okay, Ulap. [1:34:49] Attorney Untalan. [1:34:50] Good morning. [1:34:51] Good morning, Mr. Chair. [1:34:53] The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines generally supports the legislative intent [1:34:58] of the bills on the lifetime validity of PWD IDs. [1:35:02] We have already raised this concern in the previous meeting, but we have a very, very minor, [1:35:07] this is just very minor concern on data collection and statistics on the LGUs part [1:35:12] and possibly even the concerned NGAs part. [1:35:16] Additionally, Ulap supports the DILG position on streamlining the processes. [1:35:21] Thank you, Mr. Chair. [1:35:22] Thank you. [1:35:23] Comsec. [1:35:25] Next to present is the Department of Health. [1:35:28] Maria Cristina Raimundo, right? [1:35:31] Go ahead, ma'am. [1:35:32] Good morning, Mr. Chair. [1:35:36] The Department of Health supports in principle the issuance of Lifetime Valid Person with Disabilities [1:35:43] Identification Cards to persons whose disabilities have been established as permanent. [1:35:48] This will help reduce the need for repeated renewals, medical documents, expenses, and travel, [1:35:55] make it easier for those individuals to access their benefits and privileges. [1:35:59] To ensure proper implementation, the Department of Health recommends setting clear guidelines [1:36:04] on how permanent disability will be determined and what documents are required. [1:36:09] Simple and appropriate verification measures should also be established to prevent disuse [1:36:15] while avoiding unnecessary requirements for eligible applicants. [1:36:19] The Department of Health also recommends allowing necessary updates to personal information and registry records [1:36:26] even when the person with disability identification card is valid for life. [1:36:31] So the guidelines should clearly identify the responsibilities of the Department of Health, [1:36:36] the National Council of Disability Affairs, local government units through persons with disability affairs offices, [1:36:42] and other concerns agencies. [1:36:45] Once signed by our Secretary of Health, we will submit for the official statement of the Department of Health. [1:36:51] Thank you so much for that. Good morning. [1:36:54] Good morning. All right. Thank you. [1:36:57] Comsec. [1:36:58] Yes. Next to present is the Philippines Health Insurance. [1:37:02] Lisa Velasco. [1:37:03] Thank you. [1:37:07] The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation expresses the support for the Internal Senate Bill No. 354-393, [1:37:15] which seeks to establish a disability support fund. [1:37:20] So it's two. Okay. [1:37:23] And to provide disability support allowance for eligible persons with disability to help defray the disability-related costs. [1:37:32] So PhilHealth recognizes that financial assistance when complemented with the accessible health services and appropriate social support interventions [1:37:42] can help alleviate the economic burden experienced by our persons with disability and their families. [1:37:49] The proposed measure are consistent with the objective of RA 7277 or otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability as Amended [1:38:00] and our Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Law, which seeks to ensure equitable access to the National Health Insurance Program [1:38:11] and protection against financial risk. [1:38:13] And furthermore, the RA 11228, which mandates PhilHealth coverage for the persons with disability. [1:38:22] So it's reinforced po ito for the access of the appropriate health services. [1:38:27] PhilHealth also emphasizes the importance of effective disability and needs assessment system and the disability data management system [1:38:38] to ensure the government assistance is responsive to the actual needs of PWDs [1:38:43] and that eligible beneficiaries are appropriately identified and that local protection programs are implemented and coordinated. [1:38:52] In particular po, the corporation adopts the Senate Bill section 7, number 393, the establishment of the disability data management system. [1:39:04] Mainly, the provision links disability data with existing government information system including the CBMS, [1:39:11] the National ID and the DOH persons with disability registry, which is may access po ang PhilHealth ngayon, [1:39:18] and all those na nasa data registry po is reflected in the database ng PhilHealth for persons with disability, [1:39:25] and which is reflected in our database. [1:39:29] Furthermore, the establishment of updated and validated data, disability data management system, [1:39:35] serve as a reference in determining po na enrollment ng PhilHealth and the benefit coverage po. [1:39:41] Thank you. [1:39:43] Thank you, Ms. Hazel Velasco. [1:39:45] Okay. [1:39:46] Next to present is the Life Haven Center for Independent Living. [1:39:50] All right. [1:39:51] Mr. Malabas, can you just shorten it in the interest of time? [1:39:55] Okay po. [1:39:56] Yes, definitely. [1:39:57] We support po yung initiative with a few concerns po. [1:40:03] I think nabanggit na po yung tungkol sa mga IDs na hindi na nag-exist, [1:40:09] katulad po yung transportation fair ID discount dati na ini-issue ng National Council on Disability. [1:40:18] So, sana at atanggalin na po siguro natin yun. [1:40:22] Dungkol naman po dun sa passport, nag-isip rin kami na baka ito ay pwede pa rin para sa mga may apparent disability. [1:40:29] So, kung nakalimutan mo yung ID mo o kung ano man ang nangyari, [1:40:35] at least kung meron ka bang ibang pwedeng gamitin as proof, katulad ng mga senior citizen, i-accept natin. [1:40:41] Yung din po sa pag-streamline, alisin na po yung sa barangay captain kasi hindi naman talaga sila dapat na nag-i-issue nito. [1:40:51] Nagkakagulo-gulo lang po. [1:40:52] At yung panghuli, yung limitasyon na hanggang 59 years old lang po. [1:40:56] Hindi po tama yun. [1:40:57] Kasi kung gusto natin makapag-deliver ng servisyo sa lahat ng mga may kapansanan, [1:41:02] ay lalo pong kakailanganin din ng mga older persons with disabilities. [1:41:07] Katulad ng mga children with disabilities na maraming support na kailangan para mag-tribe sa ating society. [1:41:13] Yung mga older persons din po ay kailangan din ng mga extra support po. [1:41:17] At alam nyo po doon sa PSA 2020 census, nasa kulampulang apat na milyon na may functioning difficulties. [1:41:23] Ito yung mga maapektuhan ng ganitong klaseng polisiya kung dilimitahan lang natin sa hanggang 59 po. [1:41:29] Yun lamang po. Marami pong salamat, Mr. Chair. [1:41:32] Thank you, Mr. Milapas. Komsek. [1:41:34] I think we have stated na po yung mga resource persons. [1:41:43] Ah, we have the Department of Social Welfare and Development. [1:41:46] Asik Aziz. [1:41:47] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:41:49] Now, with respect to the ideas we expressed in the previous hearing that we fully support this one. [1:41:55] And this WD, through its information and communication technology or ICT, is in close coordination with NCD and the issue ones of this PWD. [1:42:10] PWD ID is lifetime ID now. [1:42:13] The core, the core, one of the core features of this unified PWD is the following. [1:42:21] The one is the centralized database where local government records from persons with disability appears. [1:42:27] FIDA or MSWD are now linked to a secure national database managed by the DSWD and the NCDE to eliminate fraudulent or duplicate IDs. [1:42:43] Another feature is the anti-prod upgrade, Mr. Chair. [1:42:46] Now, the new ID features a unique QR code and bar code for instant verification by establishment and merchants for their information, Mr. Chair. [1:42:59] That's all. Thank you. [1:43:03] Thank you. [1:43:05] Yeah. [1:43:06] Yeah, I have to tell you that questions, Mr. Chair. [1:43:07] And I'll tell you to ask you a question. [1:43:08] All right. [1:43:10] A quick question. [1:43:11] So, asik Aziz, you know. [1:43:13] How should current issued PWD identification cards and to also to Ms. Rilova be treated, if lifetime validity and standard formats are adapted? [1:43:22] Paano po yung mga nakalabas ngayon na, sabi ng DOJ, there are 6 million fake PW IDs? [1:43:29] Paano na maiwasan natin na makapag-reapply, mabigyan ng mga fake na PWD ID sa mga ito, 6 million ho ito, if we will proceed now with that lifetime validity of ikang PWD ID. [1:43:44] Kayo po, Ma'am Rilova. [1:43:47] Thank you, Mr. Chair. So yung ID po natin ngayon is centrally managed na po. [1:43:51] So even with the validity po ng lifetime, it is the burden of the duty bearer to do the warm body count or analysis or bisitahin po ng ating mga PIDAO offices as well as the NCDA and the regional offices po ng DSWD, yung warm body count at yung mga needs ng kanyang mga persons with disability. [1:44:13] That's why NCDA also is developing the Disability Needs Assessment Database System. [1:44:19] So ngayon po, iisa na lang po yung muka ng ating ID. [1:44:23] Ang application is sa local government unit. [1:44:26] Ang approval is the local government unit. [1:44:29] Ang data po ay papasok sa ating sistema. [1:44:31] Alright, Ma'am. Rewind. [1:44:34] So sa local government unit, I'm not very familiar, Ma'am. [1:44:38] Wala naman akong salamat po sa Diyos. [1:44:40] Wala naman po akong kamag-anak na PWD. [1:44:42] But the point is, kailangan po, di po ba, kailangan ng, as far as I know, kailangan nandoon po yung person when he or she applies for an ID. [1:44:50] Dapat present, di po ba? [1:44:52] So doon pa lang, malalaman mo talagang lifetime ang ibibigay mo doon sa individual. [1:44:59] Tama po. [1:44:59] And then based on the assessment, and of course the documents presented to you coming from medical authorities. [1:45:07] Yes, sir. Tama po yun, sir. [1:45:08] Pero ngayon nga po, yung sinasabi ko, paano natin maiwasan yung mga fake na nakalabas ngayon, na mag-re-renew din. [1:45:14] Fake na, sabi niyang ganun, forever and ever na ang kanyang kapansanan. [1:45:17] Pero you doubt. How do we avoid that? [1:45:21] Sir, yun po kasing 6 million is data coming from before 2024 pa. [1:45:29] So ngayon po, they need to get the new ID, reapply po. [1:45:33] So they need to reapply po. [1:45:34] Yes, sir. [1:45:35] Very good. [1:45:35] And get the new ID. [1:45:37] So may transition period po tayo sa atin pong administrative order 001 of 2026. [1:45:43] May 3 years transition period po tayo. [1:45:46] Pero nakaka-one year na po tayo by December. [1:45:50] So nag-roll out po ang NCDA noong December 2025. [1:45:54] And currently sa system po namin, meron pa lang tayong 170,000 na nag-re-register. [1:46:00] So we still have another 2 years to finish the 2.9 million po. [1:46:04] So bago po lahat ng ID na ito, sir. [1:46:07] At meron siyang unique QR code. [1:46:09] Meron siyang unique alphanumeric number. [1:46:12] At sa system po namin, may audit trail po si NCDA. [1:46:15] Alam po namin kung sino yung nag-encode, kung sino po yung nag-approve, at kung sino po yung mag-print ng ID. [1:46:22] Alright. Thank you po, Executive Director Rilova. [1:46:26] Para po sa kapakanan at kaalaman po ng mga nanonood po sa atin on the internet, [1:46:32] ito pong pinag-uusapan po namin yan at which very moment, [1:46:35] ito pong Senate Bill number 1405-1958-2134. [1:46:40] Ito pong yung lifetime validity of IDs to PWDs. [1:46:46] Anyway, the committee approves in principle Senate Bill numbers 1405-1958-2134 [1:46:56] and thereby convenes the Technical Working Group to consolidate the pre-proposed legislations [1:47:04] and to further enhance the substitute bill. [1:47:11] Alright. [1:47:12] Well, due to the time constraints, [1:47:13] we will have to suspend our discussion of the remaining agenda item, [1:47:18] SBN 354-393-654-1390-2096 and 2386. [1:47:26] This Senate Bill is proposing the establishment of disability support fund [1:47:31] or allowance will be taken up at the next hearing. [1:47:34] The date and time of the next hearing will be communicated in due course. [1:47:38] We respectfully request everyone to await further notice. [1:47:42] I thank the resource presence for the enlightenment you have provided this committee. [1:47:48] Umaasa po kayo na ang representasyon na ito [1:47:51] na ikatuwang nyo sa pagprotekta sa mga karapatan ng mga taong may kapansanan. [1:47:57] With that, this public hearing is hereby suspended. [1:48:01] Thank you. [1:48:05] Thank you po.