Establishments in Baguio are reminded to recognize the identification cards of persons with disability and accord them the necessary benefits as mandated by the law.
In a resolution, the city council said all establishments covered by Republic Act 9442 or the Magna Carta for disabled persons and RA 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability must observe the recognition of the rights and privileges of PWDs.
“The Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of the city government has received several complaints on non-compliance with laws providing benefits and privileges to persons with disability, particularly the 20 percent discount and the exemption from the 12 percent value added tax,” the resolution reads.
PWDs are entitled to a 20 percent discount for the purchase of medicines in all drugstores, medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees, and professional fees of attending doctors.
They are also entitled to 20 percent discount in establishments like hotels and restaurants, admission fees on theater and movie houses, as well as transportation fare for domestic land, air and sea travel.
The discount was expanded by RA 10754 in 2016 which granted a 12 percent value added tax exemption to PWDs.
“The identification card shall be the basis for the provision of certain special privileges and discounts to the PWDs in accordance with RA 9442,” the resolution added.
The PDAO and other concerned offices were also requested to track the compliance of establishments and to file necessary actions against the violators. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 25, 2024
