SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday urged the government to adopt a design standard that will ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) have easy access to existing transport systems and those still under development.
Gatchalian said he has been receiving many complaints that PWDs do not have easy access to public transportation even if RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons was enacted in 1992 or almost 30 years ago.
“The Magna Carta for PWDs should be fully and effectively implemented not only for the benefit of PWDs but also for the elderly, parents with young children, pregnant women, and others who face physical challenges in accessing public transport systems,” Gatchalian said.
He said without proper access to public transport, PWDs will struggle to access essential services such as education and healthcare which are vital for them to live meaningful lives.
Gatchalian said that among the complaints his office has been receiving are that PWDs are having a hard time using ramps to access public transport and inadequate infrastructures which make traveling more difficult.
He said some MRT and LRT stations, at times, have defective escalators and elevators, and public utility jeepney drivers often deny PWDs a ride since it is taking them longer to board jeepneys.
He also called on local government units to adopt policies to make their cities more PWD-friendly.
The National Council on Disability Affairs said there are around 1.9 million registered PWDs as of January 8 this year.
