PERSONS with disabilities are actually protected as well by the law. A few years ago, the Philippine government passed Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled persons.
This law defines a disabled person as "disabled persons are those suffering from restriction or different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being."
The Magna Carta specifically explains that "Disabled persons are part of Philippine society, thus the State shall give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society."
The Magna Carta then states that "Disabled persons have the same rights as other people to take their proper place in society. They should be able to live freely and as independently as possible."
In line with this, the Magna Carta provides that "No disable person shall be denied access to opportunities for suitable employment. A qualified disabled employee shall be subject to the same terms and conditions of employment and the same compensation, privileges, benefits, fringe benefits, incentives or allowances as a qualified able bodied person."
The Magna Carta also provides for education opportunities for disabled persons, to wit: "The State shall ensure that disabled persons are provided with access to quality education and ample opportunities to develop their skills. It shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all disabled persons. It shall be unlawful for any learning institution to deny a disabled person admission to any course it offers by reason of handicap or disability."
The Magna Carta also states that disabled persons shall be assisted in the exercise of their political rights such as voting.
The law likewise provides for the health of disabled persons by providing for rehabilitation and health centers primarily directed to disabled persons.
Also, and this is of more practical effect, the Magna Carta requires that the government ensures that disabled persons can get around barrier-free, to wit: "The State shall ensure the attainment of a barrier-free environment that will enable disabled persons to have access in public and private buildings and establishments and such other places."
All in all, the Magna Carta is a good piece of legislation which aims to focus on the welfare of disabled persons or as they are known in other circles, Persons with Disabilities (PWD). We can only hope that the government can come out with other legislation that are as good, or better.
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There will be a fun run this coming weekend at SM Ecoland Davao Parking C under the PARM M.O.V.E. nationwide run. It is a fun run in honor of, and for the benefit of persons with disabilities (PWD). This is being spearheaded by my good friend Dra. Ging Carpio-Santos and I am sure it will be a running success.
If you want to join you can sign up and register in SM Ecoland (near Ace Hardware), Run Club Davao, and all rehabilitation centers in Davao City (Davao Doctors Hospital, San Pedro Hospital, Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Davao Medical School Foundation)
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The opinions expressed herein are Atty. Kelvin's own. You can reach Kelvin through his office at stlvlawoffice@gmail.com