Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HoUsEBILLNo  7717
RECEIVED
?:M:EB#¥
i-¥J`_¥-i`±
Introduced by Representative Dante S. Garcia
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which entered into force
on 03 May 2008, does not provide a closed definition of disability. Its preamble shows that disability is
an evolving concept. More so, the Convention reflects a social model of disability in the sense that it
clarifies  disability as  resulting  from the  interactions between persons  with iinpairments  and external
barriers (i.e. environmental, institutional, or attitudinal) that hinders their participation in society on an
equal basis with others.
The  Philippines,  through its  Constitution  in Art.  XIII,  Section  1,  provides  that "Congress  shall  give
highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the rights of all the people to
human  dignity,  reduce  social,  economic,  and political  inequality,  and remove  cultural  inequities  by
equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good. In fact, with its jwdrg#¢ C¢r/tz on
the   Rights   of  Persons  with  Disabilities   (R.A.   7277),   enacted  in   1992,   it  defined  persons  with
disabilities as those suffering from restriction or different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical, or
sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a
human being.
Too, the Philippines had a long history of engagement for the welfare  of the disabled,  starting with
Presidential Decree No.1509, signed by former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. during the country's
hosting  of the  Second  International  Conference  of Legislation  Concerning  the  Disabled,  creating
the National  Commission  Concerning  Disabled  Persons  OrccDP).   From  this,  its  secretariat,   the
Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Inc. (PFRD) eventually became the National
Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons OrcwDP) through Presidential Executive Order No. 709
last February 2008. Later on, the NCWDP became the National Council for Disability Affairs OVCDA)
through  former President  Gloria Macapagal-  Arroyo`s  Executive  Order  676,  entrenching  the  office
under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Yet, despite of this long engagement, and with all the laws the country have passed, from B.P. 344 or
the  Accessibility  Law,  to  R.A.  6759  or  the  White  Cane  Act,  to  ILO  Convention  No.   159  or  the
Vocational  Rehabilitation  of Persons with Disability to R.A.  7277  or the  Magna Carla for Disabled
Persons  and  the  United Nations  Convention  on  the  Rights  of Persons with  Disabilities  (UNCRPD),


many of these laws have fallen short of their intended benefits for the beneficiaries because of the lack
of a dedicated line agency designed specifically to push and fully implement these laws.
Created in  1981,  and attached to the Department of Social Welfare  and Development a)SWD),  the
National  Council  on  Disability  Affairs  OVCDA)  is  the  government  agency  tasked  with  program
development  and  services  delivery  to  the  sector.  It was  originally  tasked to  formulate  policies  and
coordinate  the  activities  of all  agencies,  whether public  or private,  concerning  disability  issues  and
conccms.  It was  also  charged with the development and maintenance  of a databank on disability in
partnership  with  concerned  government  agencies,  which  happened  with  the  Philippine  Registry  of
Persons With Disability (PRPWD) which is currently implemented by the Department of Health.
However, we still do not have an updated or accurate listing or registration of persons with disabilities.
Government agencies and local goverrment units still use the 2010 registry of the Philippine Statistics
Office, which determines disability estimates from the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, to be
at   1.44  million  people,  or  1.57%  of the  then  92.1   million  total  population.  This  reported   1.57%
disability population is still considered by many sectors/ authorities as "undercounted" compared to the
World Health Organization (WHO) 10-15% demographic of disability in any given population.
This bill seeks to create the National Commission for Disability Affairs to replace the National Council
for Disability Affairs. Retuning it to a Commission-level under the Office of the President will further
strengthen  its  role  as  the  primary  agency  responsible  for  the  implementation  of policies  aimed  at
fulfi]ling the rights of persons with Disabilities.
The Commission will address the lack of comprehensive data on Persons with Disabilities, which is a
vital key for policy and program formulation, and oversee and recommend measures for the effective
conduct  of  a  comprehensive  assessment  program  on  a  provincial,  city,  and  municipal  level,  in
consultation with partner agencies such as Department of Health and other experts jn the field.
The  Commission will  also  ensure that persons with disabilities remain in charge of their futures,  by
ensuring  that  the  leadership  roles  of the  agency  are  effectively  manned  by  qualified  persons  with
disabilities.  Because  the  bill  also  provides  a  specific  limit  on  reappointment,  no  one  person  with
disability will be able to control or manipulate the field.
As it seeks to address these gaps, the Commission will be mandated to uphold the rights and welfare of
the Persons with Disabilities through its larger and stronger capacity to monitor the implementation of
programs and policies of disability, identify the needs of the sector, develop and implement programs
and recommend policy measures to address such needs.
foregoing reasons, the immediate approval of this bill is eamestly sought.
arcia
ct of La Union


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
Housn BILL No
7717
Introduced by Representative Dante S. Garcia
AN ACT
REORGANIZINGTHENATIONALCOUNCILONDISABILITYAFFAIRSINT0THE
NATIONAL  COMMISSION  0N  DISABILITY  AFFAIRS,  DEFINING  ITS  POWERS
A TITT\    T7TT`T/|.llr/``Tr`        ,  -`__  ___
AND   FUNCTIONS,
PURPOSES
Be  it  enacted
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short title
Affairs Act of 2023. "
APPROPRIATING   FUNDS   THEREFOR,   AND   FOR   OTHER
by  the  Senate  and  the  House  Of  Representatives  Of the  Phillpplnes  in
I  This Act shall be known as the  "National Commission  on  I)isability
Section2.DeclarationofPolicy-TheStaterecognizesthatpersonswithdisabihtiesarepaltof
Philippinesocietyandarethusentitledtothesamerightsasotherpeople.Itisherebydeclared
the  policy  of the  State  to  support,  protect  and promote  the  rights  of persons  with  disabilities.
Towards  this  end,  the  State  shall  establish  a  National  Commission  on  Disability  Affairs  to
formulatepoliciesandcoordinateactivitiesforpersonswithdisabilities.
Section3.EstablishmentoftheNationalCommissiononDisabilityAffairs-Thereishereby
created   the   National   Commission   on   Disability   Affairs,   hereinafter   referred   to   as   the
Commission. It shall be attached to the office of the President.
Section  4.  Objectives,  Mandate  and  Functions  -  The  Commission  shall  be  the  national
govemmentagencytofonnulatepoliciesandcoordinateactivitiesofallagencies,whetherpublic
or private, concerning disability Issues and concerns.  It shall be the lead agency tasked to steer
thecourseofprogramdevelopmentforpersonswithdisabilitiesandthedeliveryofservicetothe
Sector.


lt is the central agency that attends to the needs of persons with disabilities, providing them with
the necessary services, supervision, regulation and guidance in the pursuit of their welfare and
well-being.  It is the  lead agency  in policy-making,  monitoring and coordination that develops,
formulates   and   implements   programs   for   the   persons   with   disabilities,   and   ensures   the
equalizationofopportunitiesintheconceptofaright-basedsocietyforpersonswithdisabiljties.
The
mandate:
Commission  shall  exercise  the  following  powers  and  functions  to  cany  out  its
1.   Ensure that the status, rights, welfare and interests of persons with disabilities are
upheld, in accordance with the Constitution;
2.    Formulate  policies  and  propose  legislations  or  amendments  to  existing  ones,
concerning the  rights  and well-being of persons  with  disabilities,  and lead  i the
implementationofprogramsandservicesconcemingthesame;
3.   Prepare   and   adopt   an   integrated   and   comprehensive   long-term   National
Rehabilitation  Plan,  which  shall  ensure the  fomulation  and  implementation  of
programs   and   projects   to   promote   the   rehabihtation   self-reliance   and   the
development of persons with disabilities;
4.     Conduct  researches  and  studies  relevant to  formulated polic].es to  promote  and
enhance at all levels the rights of persons with disabilities.
5.    Conduct  consultative  meetings  and prepare  symposia with  all  stakeholders,  and
undertake  program  evaluation  and  monitoring  to  ensure  that  comprehensive
relevant and timely programs and services are adequate and accessible to persons
with disabihties;
6.    Identify and immediately address gaps in the implementation of program and laws
benefiting  persons  with  disabilities,  especially  the  Magna  Carta  of  Disabled
Persons, as amended;
7.   Formulate strategic interventions and provide an expeditious response to address
the immediate concerns of the persons with disabilities;
8.    Act  as  over-all  coordinating  body  to  rationalize  the  function  and  activities  of
goverrment agencies, private entities, and intemationa] organ.zations operating in
the Philippines, and the enforcement of laws relating to and affecting persons of
disabilities;
9.    Establish,  develop,  and  maintain  a  databank  on  disabilities  through  a  National
Registry   of  Persons   with  Disabilities,   which   shall   be   obtained  through  the
NationalRegistrationProgramforPersonswithDisabilities,onaprovincial,city,
andmunicipal-widelevel,inpartnershipwithconcemedgovemmentagenciesand
non-governTent  organizations  to  ensure  availability  of data  to  strengthen  the
referral  services to  persons  with disabilities,  including the  provision of assistive
devices;
10. Establi.sh  and  maintain  linkages  and  networking  with  local  and  international
organizations,  including  organizations  of  and  for  persons  with  disabilities  to


generateresourcesandensuremaximunutilizationofexjstingresourcesand for
purposes of convergence;
11.Serveastfienationalworkingbodytopromoteandmonitortheimplementationof
national laws and international commitments;
12Assistintheestablishmentofself-helporganizationsandthesettingupofspec]fic
projects through the provisions of technical and financial assistance to draw out
the  active  participation  of persons  with  disabilit]es  in  the  social  and  economic
developmentofthecountry.(Section31,RA7277)
13  Regulate,  monitor  and  where  necessary,  facilitate  the  conduct  of fund-raismg
activities,andformulatejnnovativeschemestoensurefundingsuppolfformajor
activities of the sector;
14.Educateandreorientthegeneralpubliconitsattitudesandthinkingwithregards
to  persons  with  disabilities,  and  advocate  through  a  nghts-based  approach  the
developmentofthepersonswithdisabilitiessector;
15  Create,    organize,   restructure   and   otherVIse   manage   such   of`fices   of   the
Commission;
16. Provide  guidance  to  Persons  With  Dlsability   Affalrs  Offices  (PDAO)  of local
governmentunitsfortheexpeditiousandeffectivefulfillmentofitsmandateand
forspecificthematicandfunctionalmatters;
17. Act  as  the  national   consultative  and  advisory   body  to  the  President  of  the
Philippinesonmatterswithinjtscompetence;
18  Submit   annual   reports   to   both   Houses   of  Congress   on   the   progress   and
imp]ementation of policies, and
19Exercisesuchpowersandresponsibilities,orperformsuchotherfunctionsasmay
be delegated or assigned by the President
Section.   5:   Coxp"*z.arty   org&»z.zd!tr.o#   ¢#d  ¢drm.«7.s/x¢/fo«   -   The   Commission   shan   be
composedofaChairpersonandsix(6)commissioners,eachrepresentingaspecificdisabihty,
towit.(I)Visualimpairment,(2)Hearinglmpaiment,(3)PhysicalormobllltyI.mpalrment,(4)
Speaking   impalrment,   (5)   Intellectual,   leaming   and   developmental   impairments   and   (6)
handicapsbroughtaboutbycontinuousillnesses,cancerorraredlseases.
The  Chaiaperson  and  the  commissioners  shall  be  appointed  by  the  President  from  the  list
submittedbyeachdisabilitysectortheyrepresent.Theymustbepersonswithdisabilitiesand
mustbelongtothedisabilitysubsectortheyarenomlnatedfrom.Theymustalsobelongorres].de
withinageographiccategory,specificallytwoeachfromLuzon,Visayas,andMindanao,with
theseventhoptionallyaresidentofNCRoranyoftheautonomousregion.Theyshallservea
term of six (6) years, without reappointment.
AChailpersonshallhavethefollowingdutiesandresponsibilities:
CallandpresideoverthemeetingsoftheCommission;
ManageandadministertheaffairsoftheCommission;


c.MonitortheimplementationofpoliciesapprovedbytheComm].ssi.on;
d    Sign   communications   for   the   Commission   and   represent   the   Commission
whenever necessary;
e.    Sollcit  and  accept,  on  behalf of the  Commisslon,  gifts  grants  or  donations  in
accordancewithgoverrmentrules,regulationsandpolicies;
f.    Execute  contracts  in  the  pursuit  of  the  Commission's  objectives  as  may  be
authorized  by  the  Commission,  in  accordance  wlth  the  government  rules  and
regulat].ons; and
9.    Organize   permanent  or  ad   hoc   committees,   consisting   of  members   of  the
Commission,orsuchotherexpertsasaredeemednecessaryforthedischargeof
the functions and objectives of the Commission.
The  Chaiaperson  shall  be  assisted  by  an  Executive  Director  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the
Chajxperson  of the  NCDA  upon  favorable  endorsement  by  a majority  of the  Commissioners
S/heshallserveforatermofsix(6)years,withoutreappointment,andshallhavetherankand
privilegesofanundersecretaryofadepartment.S/hemustbeapersonwithadisability,and
musthavebeenamemberofhistherfederationorcertirledbyacivilsocietyorganization
as  having  served  the  sector  for  the  past  three  (3)  years.  He/She  shall  be  responsible  for  the
management   of  the   day-to-day   affairs,   activities   and   operations   of  the   Commission,   in
accordancewiththepolicies,standards,rulesandregulationsadoptedandpromulgatedbythe
CommissionTheExecutiveDirectorshallhavethefollowingdutiesandresponsibilities:
a.    Administer the affairs of the commission;
b.Implementthepolicies,plans,andprogramsapprovedbytheCommissIon;
c    Exerclse  direct  supervision  over all  the  organization  units  placed  under his/her
jurisdiction,  Including  recommending  to  the  Chairperson  the  appointment  of
personnel  of the Commission,  and disciplinary actions as may be necessary  for
theeffectivemanagementoftheCommfssjon;
d.    Represent   the   Commission   in   administrative   or   legislative   bodies   and   in
conferences,   seminars   or   workshops   that   require   the   participation   of  the
Comm].ssion;
e.PrepareandsubmittotheCommissjontheannualrepoftontheoperationsofthe
CommissionandsuchotherreportsasmayberequiredbytheCommission;and
f.    Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
TheEDshallbeassistedbytwo(2)Deputies:aDeputyExecutiveDirectorforoperations,
programsandprojectsandaDeputyExecutiveDirectorformanagementsupportservices.
TheDEDsshallbeappointedbytheChaiapersonuponfavorableendorsementbytheExecutive
Director,withtheconcurrenceoftheCommissloners.Theseshallserveforatermofsix(6)
years,  without reappointment,  unless earlier terminated  by appointing authol.ity.  No  one
maybeappointedDEDunlesstheyarethemselvespersonswithdisabi]itiesandhaveserved


thePersonsWithDisabilitiessectorforaminimumofthree(3)years,ascertifiedbyacivil
society organization.
TheDEDforOperations,programandprojectswillberesponsiblefortwo(2)divisions
(1)   program   management   (which   shall   include,   but   not   limited   to,   responsibilities   for
localization  of programs,  coordination  of PDAOs  project  management,    assistance  and  other
charitableoperations,administrationoftheNationalRegistryofpwDs);and(2)mon].toringand
evaluation  (which  shall  include  responsibilities  in  strategic  planning,  program  monltorl.ng,
proj ect development)
TheDEDforManagementSupportServiceswillalsoberesponsib]efortwo(2)divls]ons(1)
Administration  and  Finance,  (which  includes  responsibilities  in  logistics,   human  resources,
purchasing  etc.)  and  (2)  Operations  Support  Services  (which  includes  responsibilities  in  ICT,
databasemanagement,media/advocacyetc).ShouldanyoftheChairperson,Commissioners,
ED,andDEDsfailtofinishhis/herterm,anomineefromtheCSOwithsimilarqualifications
shaHbeappointedbytheappropriateappointingauthoritytofillthepostforthedurationofthe
term.  The  replacement  commlssloner  shall  not  be  eligible  for  reappojntment  to  a  second  full
term,unlessthecommissionershereplaceswouldonlyhave40%ofthetermremaining.
TheComm].ssionmaycreatesectoralandindustrytaskforees,technicalworkinggroups,
advisorybodiesoreommitteesforthefurtheranceofitsobjectives.Additionalprivatesector
representatives  such  as  from  the  academe,  civil  society  organizations,  federations  of private
industriesdirectlyinvolvedinpersonswithdisabilitiesaswellasrepresentativesfromLGUsand
government-ouned  and  controlled  corporations  (GOCC)  may  be  appointed  by  these  working
groups.GovernmentDisabilityaffajrsprofessionalsmayalsobetappedtopartakeintheworkof
the Commission.
Section6.EstablishmentofRegionalOfflces.-ThereshallberegionalofficesfortheNCDA,
headedbyaRegionalManagerwhoshallsupervisetheofficialactivitiesofallprovinces,cities
and  municipalities  under the jurisdiction  of the  concerned  Regional  Office.  S/he  shall  be  the
primarycoordinatingauthorityoverthePersonsWithDisabilitiesAffairsOffice(PDAO)duly
establishedbylocalgovernmenturits(LGUs).Itshallhavethefollowingfunctions:
a     Implement laws, rules and regulations, policies, plans, programs, and projects of
the Commission;
b.   Provide   and   increase   the   efficiency   and   effectiveness   of   serv].ces   to   its
constituents;
c.Coordinatewithregionalofflcesofotherdepartments,officesandagencies,
dCoordinatewiththeLGUsandensurethateachhasitsestabllshedPDAOorhas
deslgnated a  focal  persons  for the  fourth (4th),  fifth  (5th)  and  slxth  (6th)  class
munjc].palitjes; and
e.    Perform such functions as may be assigned by the Commission.


Section7.4dv7."Co««ci./.-ThereshallbeanadvjsorycouncjlwhichshalJbecomposedof
the following:
a.    Chairperson of the NCDA, as chalxperson;
b.    Secretary of the Department ofHealth (DOH);
c.    Secretary social welfare and Development (DSWD);
d.    Secretary of the Depatment Education (DepEd);
e.    Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);
f.    Secretary of the Depatment of Transportation (DOTr);
C1^^--,`1___        r J'       -
_ __  `<_ `,  . `  J >
SecretaryoftheDepartmentofpubli;WorksandHighways(DPWH);
SecretaryoftheDepartmentoflnteriorandLocalGovemment(DILG);
ChaiapersonoftheCommissiononHigherEducation(CHEd),
Director-GeneraloftheTechnicalEducationandSkillsDevelopmentAuthority
(TESDA); and
k.    Chairpersons  of the  Senate  Committee  on  Social  Justi.ce,  Welfare,  and  Rural
DevelopmentandtheHouseofRepresentatives'CommitteeonSocjalServices.
TheSecretariesaremayappointanofficialaltematewitharankofanUndersecretaryorits
equivalent     The  official  alternate  shall  possess  the  same  powers  as  the Heads  of the  above-
namedgoverrmentagenciesandwhoseactsshallbeconsideredasactsoftheheadsofoffice
being represented.
The  Counc]l  shall  meet  every  quarter,  or  as  often  as  may  be  necessary,  upon  the  call  of Its
Chalaperson.ItshalladviseandbeconsultedbytheCommiss]ononi.mportantmattersrelatingto
theCommission'smandate.TheCouncilmayformtaskforceswhichshallconvenebetweenthe
meetingsoftheCouncilTheCommissionshallprovidethetechnicalsuppolfrequiredbythe
Council to function according to this Act.
Section8.A%JlkflJJRepoth-TheCommisslonshallprepareanarmualrepoltonthefindingsof
itsmonitoringactivitieswithregardtothestateofthecountry'scompliancewithitsinternational
obligationsconcemingpersonswithdisabilities.Therepoftshallinclude,butnotbel].mited,to
the following:
1.    Identification  of causes  that result 1.n  the increase  or decrease  in  the number of
persons with disabilities;
2.Assessmentofthelegalmechanismsofexjstinginstitutionsinprovidingadequate
protection and services for PWDs;
3.    Recommendations   for  legal,   legislative  and  Institutional   reforms   for  greater
promotionandprotectionoftherightsofpwDs;
4.    Statistics and data indicating the total number of pwDs in the country as culled
from  the  National  Registry  for PWDs,  in  coordination  with  other  goverrment
agencies.


Section9.Di.s¢G#i.tySkpporfF"red-ADisablll.tySuppoftFundshallbeestabhshedunderthis
Act   lt  shall  make  funds  available  for individuals  with disabilities  to  access  rehabilitation and
disability  support  services,  and  to  support  disability-related  activities  at  the  local  community
throughprogramsandprojectsofthelocalgovemmentunitsandcivilsocietyorganizations.
The  fund  shall  be  sourced  from  the  operations  of the Philippine  Charity  Sweepstakes  Office
(PCSO),PhilippineAmusementandGamingCorporation(PAGCOR),one(I)percentfromthe
collectionsarisingfromtheSinTax,RoadUsersTaxandamusementtaxescollectedbyother
nationalandlocalgoverrmentagencjesandcontribut]onsfromthepr]vateandnon-goverrment
Sector.
Section10.Persott&eJjRequi.renerof-SubjecttotheapprovaloftheDepartmentofBudgetand
Management(DBM),theCommissionshalldetermineitsorganizationalstructureandcreatenew
divisions  or units  as  lt  may  deem  necessary,  and  shall  appoint  officers  and  employees  of the
CommissioninaccordancewithClvj]ServlceLaw,rulesandregulations
SectionlL7Tdusz.foryprovi.sz.o«s-TheNationalCouncilonDisabi]ityAffajrs(NCDA)shallbe
deemed  aboll.shed  upon  the  creation  of the  Commisslon   All  the  powers,  functlons,  assets,
llabilities,capital,accounts,contracts,equipmentandfacilitjesoftbeNCDAwhichareouned
bythegovemmentshallbetransferredtotheCommission.
All  regular  or  permanent  employees  of the  NCDA  shall  be  absorbed  or  transferred  to  the
Commission:Provided,thattheypossessthenecessaryqualifications,andshallnotsufferany
lossofsenlorityorrankordecreaseinsalariesandemoluments.TheExecutlveDirectorofthe
NCDAatthetimeofitsabolitionshallautomaticallybecomethechairpersonoftheCommission
andshallremainitstransitionchairpersonforthenextthreeyears.Afterthesaidthreeyears,he
maybereappointedtoservearegular,fulltermofsixyears,withoutfurtherreappointment
Employees  separated  from  the  service  as  a  result  of the  abolition  of the  NCDA  under  the
provisionsofthisActshall,withinthree(3)monthsfromtheirseparationfromservice,receivea
separation pay in accordance with exjsting laws,  rules, and regulations  ln addition, those who
are  qualified to  retire  shall  be allowed to  retire and be entitled to  all  benefits provided  under
existingretirementlaws.ThefundsoftheCommissionmaybeusedforthispuapose.
Emp]oyeesseparatedand/orretiredfromNCDAshallnotbeeligibleforreappojntmenttoor
employmentintheCommission,whetheronapermanent,temporary,casualorcontractualstatus
withinaperiodofthree(3)yearsafterseparationorretirement.
The  Chairperson  shall  recommend  to  the  Commlsslon  a  work  program  that  shall  1.nc]ude  the
organizational  plan  and  structure,  staffing  pattern  and  compensation  plan,  budget,  programs,
projectsandactivitiesoftheCommissionwithinninety(90daysfromtheapprovalofthisAct.
SaidworkprogramshallbeimplementedbytheChajrpersonwithinthirty(30)daysafterits
approval by the Commission.


Section12.IxpJeue"%gR#JegaredjRegr/a[f..our-Withinsixty(60)daysfromtheeffectivity
ofthisAct,theNationalCouncilonDisabilityAffairs(NCDA),theDepartmentofBudgetand
Management  (DBM)  and  other  relevant government  agencies  shall  promulgate  the  necessary
rulesandregulationsfortheeffectiveimplementationofthisAct.
Section13.*4pprapr7.&Jfo#-Theamountoffivehundredandfiftymillionpesos(500,000,000)
or  such  sum  or  sums  as  may  be  needed  to  carry  out  the  provisions  of this  Act  shall  be
appropriated   and   carried   generally   under   the   Office   of  the   President   in   the   General
Approprlations  Act   Thereafter,  the  amount needed  for the  operation  and  maintenance  of the
CommissionshallbeincludedintheGeneralAppropriationsAct.
Section   14.   Grarafg  aftd  dore¢1!.our  -  The  Commission  shall  have  the  authority  to  receive
donationsofmonetaryvalueorgoodsforpuaposesoftheprovisionofservicesforPWDs.The
Commlssionmaygranttaxincentivessuchasdeductionsorexemptionsinretumforsuchgrants
and donations.
Section15.Rgpc&/I.%gc/¢#£e-Alllaws,decrees,orders,rulesandregulationsorotherlssuances
orpartsinconsistentwiththeprovislonsofthisActareherebyrepealedormodifledaccordlngly
Section16.Sep¢J¢%J.tyc/a"£e-Shouldanyprovisionherembedeclaredunconstitutional,the
sameshallnotaffectthevalidityoftheotherprovisionsofthisAct.
Section   17.  I/JecfJ.tJJ.ty  -  This  Act  sliall  take  effect  fifteen  (15)  days  after  the  coinpledon  of its
publicationintheOfficialGazetteorintwo(2)newspapersofgeneralcirculation.
Approved,