Senator Lito Lapid has introduced Senate Bill No. 1506, which aims to provide a monthly social pension for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) who have no permanent income or regular support from their relatives.
This bill seeks to prioritize the needs of vulnerable sectors, particularly PWDs facing limitations due to mental, physical, or sensory impairments.
Lapid highlighted that because many PWDs are unable to work due to their disabilities, it is essential for the government to provide adequate social services.
Under the proposed bill, all indigent PWDs certified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) would be entitled to a monthly pension of ₱2,000.
Malaking bagay na may dagdag tulong pinansyal ang ating gubyerno sa mga kapatid nating may kapansanan at walang regular na pinagkukunan ng kita. Inaasahan nating gagamitin ang ayudang ito pambili ng kanilang pagkain at gamot kada buwan. Sisiguraduhin din natin na maglalagay ng sapat na pondo ang Kongreso para mapatupad ng maayos at mabilis ang programang ito oras na maipatupad.
SENATOR LITO LAPID
The initial funding of ₱2 billion will be allocated for the program’s first year and will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
To ensure effective implementation, the DSWD and NCDA will create a comprehensive database of indigent PWDs, regularly updating their records.
A valid PWD identification card, in line with the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (RA 7277), will be required to qualify for the program.
Penalties will be imposed on anyone who fraudulently registers a PWD who is not indigent or is self-sufficient, with fines ranging from ₱25,000 to ₱100,000 depending on the offense.
The DSWD and NCDA will be required to submit an annual report to Congress, detailing the implementation of the law and recommending any necessary improvements.