EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PH ILIPPINES
First Regular Session
if/1*' ' ; Vi •
'19 M . 16 AH :48
SENATE
In tro d u c e d by S enator Juan M iguel F. Z u b iri
AN ACT
INCREASING THE POSITIONS RESERVED FOR PERSONS W ITH
D IS A B ILITIE S , AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO.
7277, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE MAGNA CARTA FOR
DISABLED PERSONS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Although there has been progress in integrating our PWDs into society,
more can still be done to further ensure that they are afforded the same
opportunities as those given to other able-bodied individuals. A 2013 Philippine
Institute of Development Studies report showed that 50% of PWDs who live in
an urban setting are unemployed, with the percentage going much higher for
those living in rural settings. The same report also showed that 45.9% of PWDs
in an urban setting and 61.9% of PWDs in a rural setting are living below
poverty line. 1
The Philippines still has a long way to go in making the entire country
inclusive to all. This bill seeks to bring us closer to this goal by increasing the
positions reserved for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all government
agencies, offices and corporations from one percent to two percent, and
mandating private corporations to employ a workforce, at least one percent of
which is from the same sector.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MIGUEL F. ZU B IR I
1https://www.rappIer.com/move-ph/126332-elections-pwd-phiIippines-platforms