Senate Bill No. 356

Sen. Bam pushes for more opportunities for PWDs

As the world celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Sunday (Dec. 3), Sen. Bam Aquino reiterated the call for the passage of his two measures that support Filipino PWDs and provide them with the needed assistance.

“We need to ensure that our PWDs are given proper assistance and opportunities to make a living,” said Sen. Bam, who filed Senate Bill No. 356 and 1249 in the 17th Congress.

 Under Senate Bill No. 1249, government agencies and private offices must allot two and one percent of their workforce, respectively, to PWDs.

“This bill seeks to create more job opportunities for PWDs in the workforce and provide commensurate compensation, benefits and employment terms for PWDs as any other qualified employee,” Sen. Bam said.

 Senate Bill No. 356 aims to provide mandatory Philhealth coverage for PWDs, to ensure that their health is protected.

 “Social services should be provided to those with the least in society. Health services should be provided to those who need it the most,” Sen. Bam said, referring to Senate Bill No. 356.

 The two measures aim to amend Republic Act 7277 or the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability” to accommodate the latest benefits and privileges for PWDs.

 In the 16th Congress, Sen. Bam worked for the welfare of PWDs as co-author of Republic Act 10754 in the Senate. The law exempts PWDs from paying the value added tax (VAT) and gives tax incentives to persons with PWD dependents, up to fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

Bam eyes mandatory Philhealth coverage for PWDs

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be granted mandatory Philhealth coverage once the measure filed by Sen. Bam Aquino is enacted into law.
 
“This is a straightforward measure to support our disadvantaged countrymen — our persons with disabilities,” Sen. Bam said, referring to Senate Bill No.  356 or the Mandatory PhilHealth for PWDs Act.
 
“First and foremost, social services should be provided to those with the least in society. Health services should be provided to those who need it the most,” he added.
 
By providing mandatory Philhealth coverage to PWDs, Sen. Bam said the Philippines will move closer to fulfilling all the needs of underprivileged Filipinos.
 
The measure will amend Republic Act 7277 or the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability”, to add PWDs under the mandatory Philhealth coverage.
 
In the 16th Congress, Sen. Bam tirelessly worked for the welfare of PWDs, with the passage of Republic Act 10754 that exempts PWDs from paying the value added tax (VAT).
 
The law also gives tax incentives to persons with PWD dependents tax incentives, up to fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.
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