Wednesday, August 06, 2008 Able-bodied persons abuse PWD benefits
THE privilege extended to persons with disabilities (PWDs) is not exactly enjoyed by them and often are abused by persons without disability.
This brought Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda to file a proposed ordinance to regulate the use of parking space and blue lanes strictly for the use of PWDs.
While buildings have complied with Batas Pambansa 344, on the provision that mandates building owners to allot parking spaces for PWDs, Tabanda said there have been breaches in its use. Oftentimes persons without any disability are the ones using the parking slots, thereby depriving the intended beneficiaries.
The same situation also happens when crossing streets. Tabanda said blue lanes are not being used by PWDs but by physically able individuals.
Tabanda proposed improper use of blue lanes and parking spaces for PWDs should be penalized. Senior citizens can also use the PWD lanes, she said.
She proposed that a violation of the ordinance should be fined P200 for the first offense, P500 for the second offense, and P1,000 for the third and succeeding offenses. (RO)
