On June 3, 2008, the sub-committee on oversight of the Committee on Social Services conducted deliberation on CIBAC Party List's resolution calling for an inquiry on the implementation, observance and enforcement of the Magna Carta for disabled persons (RA 7277) as amended by RA 9442 to determine additional measures to further strengthen and enhance laws for persons with disabilities. Representatives from the government's line agencies and the National Council for Disability Affairs were present during the hearing where each gave their support to the resolution filed by Rep. Villanueva.

Almost a year ago, I filed House Resolution No. 47. It was a resolution hoping to officially and formally express the solidarity of the House of Representatives with the nation in the celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week which was to be celebrated from July 17 to 23 last year. At the same time, it was also a resolution that called for a legislative inquiry on the implementation, observance and enforcement of Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons as amended by R.A. No. 9442.

Though it is saddening to note that it took the House almost a year to act on proposed House Resolution No. 47, the fact that this resolution is now before this committee for deliberation is encouraging.

As I earlier mentioned, this House Resolution had two purposes. The first is for the expression of the solidarity of the House of Representatives in celebrating the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. Though it might be a bit late for 2007, the deliberation of this aspect of the resolution for the 2008 celebration is timely.

In fact, I have just filed House Resolution No. 616 which formally and officially expresses the solidarity of the House of Representatives with the celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week for 2008. This is simply to make sure that the House continues to be conscious and updated of its responsibility to persons with disabilities. In fact I will be moving that the said resolution be deliberated on simultaneous to this resolution.

The second purpose of House Resolution No. 47 is for the conduct of a legislative inquiry to determine whether the policies this Congress has put in place are sufficient to protect and promote the welfare of persons with disabilities and recognize both their rights and contribution to our national well-being. This is crucial in consideration of the fact that despite more than a decade from the passage of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, general services, facilities and infrastructure for PWDs remain far below the standards prescribed by laws relating to PWDs.

I have personally underwent the experience of temporary disability and I have seen how unfriendly and unsafe our society is to persons with disabilities. While in crutches, I had to bear walking on uneven sidewalks and climbing buildings with no elevators nor ramps. I have been to establishments with token comfort rooms for those with disabilities which unfortunately do not provide comfort. I was lucky it was a temporary ordeal but for the almost two million of our citizens with disabilities, such is continuing tragedy.

The presence today of the different major agencies which comprise the National Council on Disability Affairs, formerly the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, is greatly appreciated and would be essential in assessing the policy framework affecting persons with disabilities and disability affairs and why despite all the laws that Congress has already passed, sensitivity, empathy and actual services to persons with disabilities remain negligible.

May this hearing start off a resurgence of genuine concern for persons with disabilities and a re-emphasis on the State’s role to ensure their protection and welfare.

Thank you.