NOV.

30, 2011 DATE

NR # 2603B
REF. NO.

House approves amendments to Magna Carta for Disabled Persons

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a proposal amending Republic Act 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, by expanding the positions reserved for persons with disability. The approved measure, House Bill 5475, substituted House Bill 3192 authored by Rep. Emi Calixto-Rubiano (Lone District, Pasay City). Calixto-Rubiano said R.A. 7277 grants certain rights and privileges for disabled persons. It provides equal opportunity for employment to qualified disabled persons in government service. Under R.A. 7277, only 5% of casual emergency and contractual positions in government agencies and corporations engaged in social development shall be reserved for disabled persons, Calixto-Rubiano said. The bill expands the position reserved for persons with disability (PWDs) from casual, emergency and contractual positions to all employment positions. The bill promotes equal opportunity for qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs) in employment. The measure mandates not only government agencies engaged in social development but all government agencies, offices or corporations and private corporations to reserve one percent (1%) of all positions for qualified PWDs. The bills plenary approval was endorsed by the House Committee on Social Services chaired by Rep. Arturo Robes (Lone District, San Jose Del Monte City). (30) lvc