1 
19th CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10803 
Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne Hernandez 
Lone District of Calamba, Laguna 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Parents and guardians of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines face 
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numerous challenges that significantly impact their quality of life. One of the 
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most pressing issues is the financial burden associated with raising a child with a 
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disability. Medical expenses, which include continuous care, therapies, and 
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medications, can be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, specialized education 
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for PWDs often comes with higher fees, and the cost of assistive devices like 
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wheelchairs, hearing aids, and communication tools adds to the financial strain. 
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Many parents also experience a reduction in income because they need to reduce 
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their working hours or even quit their jobs to provide adequate care for their 
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children, leading to a significant loss of household income. 
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Access to essential services is another major challenge. Specialized healthcare 
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services and professionals for PWDs are limited, especially in rural areas, making 
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it difficult for families to get the medical support they need. Educational 
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August 21, 2024
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opportunities are also lacking, with few inclusive education options and a 
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shortage of specialized schools. Social services that could provide support and 
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resources to these families are often insufficient especially in remote areas, 
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leaving parents to navigate these challenges with minimal assistance. 
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Beyond financial and logistical difficulties, parents and guardians of PWDs 
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frequently encounter social stigma and discrimination. Discrimination can affect 
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various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social interactions, 
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further isolating PWDs and their families. The stigma associated with disability 
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often leads to negative attitudes and behaviors from others, exacerbating the 
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emotional and psychological stress experienced by both the parents and the 
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children. These combined challenges highlight the need for comprehensive 
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support systems to improve the lives of PWDs and their families in the 
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Philippines. 
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Republic Act No. 9442 otherwise known as the "Magna Carta for Persons with 
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Disability as Amended" recognizes and grants various rights and privileges to 
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persons with disabilities (PWDs) to promote their well-being and integration into 
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society. However, it only amended certain provisions of Republic Act No. 7277. 
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Thus, the unique challenges faced by the parents or guardians of PWDs are often 
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overlooked. This bill seeks to amend the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability 
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to extend the benefits and privileges to the parents, legal guardians, or any person 
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directly responsible in the custody and care of PWDs. 
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By providing these additional benefits, the State acknowledges the vital role 
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played by these parents and guardians in the overall well-being of PWDs and 
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aims to alleviate the burdens they face, thereby fostering a more inclusive and 
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supportive society for PWDs and their families. 
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In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.    
CHARISSE ANNE C. HERNANDEZ 


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19th CONGRESS 
Third  Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10803 
Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne Hernandez 
Lone District of Calamba, Laguna 
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AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NOS. 7277 AND 9442, 
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OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "MAGNA CARTA FOR PERSONS 
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WITH DISABILITY AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES," 
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BY EXTENDING BENEFITS TO THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OF 
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PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs) 
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
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Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. 
Short Title - This Act shall be known as the “This Act shall 
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be known as the "Expanded Magna Carta for Persons with Disability." 
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SECTION 2. 
Declaration of Policy – It is hereby declared the policy of the 
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State to ensure the well-being and welfare of all persons with disabilities (PWDs) 
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and their families. In recognition of the challenges faced by parents and guardians 
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of PWDs, it is the duty of the State to provide necessary support by extending the 
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benefits and privileges to parents or guardians of PWDs.  
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SECTION 3. 
Definition of Terms - For the purpose of this Act, the 
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following term is added to Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7277: 
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(A-1) "PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A PWD" – REFERS TO AN INDIVIDUAL 
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WHO HAS A LEGAL RELATIONSHIP WITH A CHILD, ENCOMPASSING 
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BOTH BIOLOGICAL, ADOPTIVE PARENTS AND GUARDIANSHIP. THIS 
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DEFINITION INCLUDES: 
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a) BIOLOGICAL PARENT: THE NATURAL MOTHER OR FATHER OF 
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A CHILD. 
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b) ADOPTIVE PARENT: AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS LEGALLY 
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ADOPTED A CHILD THROUGH A COURT PROCESS AND HAS 
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ASSUMED ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. 
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c) LEGAL 
GUARDIAN: 
AN 
INDIVIDUAL 
WHO 
HAS 
BEEN 
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APPOINTED BY A COURT TO TAKE CARE OF A CHILD IN THE 
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ABSENCE OR INCAPACITY OF THE BIOLOGICAL PARENTS, 
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THOUGH NOT TECHNICALLY DEFINED AS A "PARENT," THEY 
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MAY ASSUME PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES. 
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d) UNMARRIED PARENT: AN UNMARRIED MOTHER OR FATHER 
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WHO HAS PREFERRED TO KEEP AND REAR HER/HIS CHILD 
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WITH A DISABILITY INSTEAD OF HAVING OTHERS CARE FOR 
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THEM OR GIVE THEM UP TO A WELFARE INSTITUTION. 
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e) SOLE PROVIDER: ANY OTHER PERSON WHO SOLELY PROVIDES 
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PARENTAL CARE AND SUPPORT TO A CHILD WITH A 
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DISABILITY. 
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f) FAMILY HEAD BY NECESSITY: ANY FAMILY MEMBER WHO 
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ASSUMES THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HEAD OF FAMILY AS A 
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RESULT OF THE DEATH, ABANDONMENT, DISAPPEARANCE, OR 
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PROLONGED ABSENCE OF THE PARENTS OR PARENT OF A 
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CHILD WITH A DISABILITY. 
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g) BOTH PARENTS: BOTH PARENTS, WHETHER MARRIED OR NOT, 
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WHO ARE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN PROVIDING CARE AND 
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SUPPORT TO A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY. 
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SECTION 4. 
Extension of Specific Benefits and Privileges - Republic Act 
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No. 9442 is hereby amended by inserting sections 34 - 41 after Section 33 of 
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Chapter 8. Other Privileges and Incentives as follows:  
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“SECTION 34. CRITERIA FOR SUPPORT FOR PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF 
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A PWD. – ANY PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A PWD WHOSE INCOME 
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FALLS BELOW THE POVERTY THRESHOLD AS SET BY THE 
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NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NEDA) 
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AND SUBJECT TO THE ASSESSMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
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SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) WORKER IN THE 
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CITY OR MUNICIPALITY WHERE THE PWD RESIDES SHALL BE 
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ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE; PROVIDED, THAT A SOLO PARENT WHO 
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SOLELY PROVIDES PARENTAL CARE AND SUPPORT TO A CHILD 
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WITH A DISABILITY AND WHO IS ALSO QUALIFIED AS SOLO PARENT 
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UNDER THE SOLO PARENTS WELFARE ACT, MAY CLAIM BENEFITS 
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UNDER EITHER THIS ACT OR THE SOLO PARENTS WELFARE ACT AS 
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AMENDED, WHICHEVER IS HIGHER OR MORE BENEFICIAL, BASED 
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ON THE ASSESSMENT OF THE DSWD. 
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SECTION 35. COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 
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AND WELFARE SERVICES FOR PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A PWD. – A 
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COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND 
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WELFARE SERVICES FOR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OF PWDS AND 
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THEIR FAMILIES WILL BE DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF 
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SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD), DEPARTMENT OF 
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HEALTH 
(DOH), 
TECHNICAL 
EDUCATION 
AND 
SKILLS 
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DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA), DEPARTMENT OF LABORE 
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AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE), NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY 
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(NHA), AND DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL 
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GOVERNMENT 
(DILG), 
IN 
COORDINATION 
WITH 
LOCAL 
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GOVERNMENT UNITS AND A NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION 
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WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN PROVIDING SERVICES FOR 
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PWDS. THIS PACKAGE WILL INCLUDE: 
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1. LIVELIHOOD 
DEVELOPMENT 
SERVICES 
INCLUDING 
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TRAININGS 
ON 
LIVELIHOOD 
SKILLS, 
BASIC 
BUSINESS 
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MANAGEMENT, VALUE ORIENTATION, AND JOB PLACEMENT. 
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2. COUNSELING 
SERVICES 
INCLUDING 
INDIVIDUAL, 
PEER 
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GROUP, 
OR 
FAMILY 
COUNSELING 
FOCUSED 
ON 
THE 
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FOLLOWING:  
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a) EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OF 
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PWDS 
OFTEN 
FACE 
SIGNIFICANT 
EMOTIONAL 
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CHALLENGES, INCLUDING STRESS, ANXIETY, AND 
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FEELINGS OF ISOLATION. COUNSELING PROVIDES A 
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SAFE SPACE FOR THEM TO EXPRESS THEIR EMOTIONS 
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AND RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT. FURTHER, 
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PARENTS OR GUARDIANS MAY GO THROUGH STAGES OF 
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ACCEPTANCE REGARDING THEIR CHILD'S DISABILITY. 
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COUNSELING 
CAN 
GUIDE 
THEM 
THROUGH 
THIS 
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PROCESS, HELPING THEM TO ACCEPT THEIR CHILD'S 
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CONDITION AND FOCUS ON POSITIVE, PROACTIVE 
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APPROACHES TO CARE. 
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b) RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: COUNSELING CAN AID IN 
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RESOLVING 
CONFLICTS 
WITHIN 
THE 
FAMILY, 
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IMPROVING COMMUNICATION, AND FOSTERING A 
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SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PWD. IT HELPS IN 
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MANAGING 
THE 
DYNAMICS 
BETWEEN 
PARENTS, 
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SIBLINGS, AND THE PWD. 
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c) PREVENTING ISOLATION: PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OF 
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PWDS MAY FEEL SOCIALLY ISOLATED DUE TO THE 
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DEMANDS OF CAREGIVING. COUNSELING CAN CONNECT 
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THEM 
WITH 
SUPPORT 
GROUPS 
AND 
NETWORKS, 
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PROVIDING 
A 
COMMUNITY 
OF 
PEOPLE 
WHO 
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UNDERSTAND THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES. 
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d) EMPOWERMENT 
AND 
ADVOCACY: 
COUNSELING 
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EMPOWERS PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO ADVOCATE 
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EFFECTIVELY FOR THEIR CHILD'S NEEDS, WHETHER IN 
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EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS, HEALTHCARE, OR WITHIN THE 
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COMMUNITY. IT BUILDS THEIR CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS 
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IN SEEKING THE BEST OUTCOMES FOR THEIR PWD. 
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3. PARENT 
EFFECTIVENESS 
SERVICES 
INCLUDING 
THE 
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PROVISION AND EXPANSION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS ON 
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EARLY DETECTION, EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT, 
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BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT, HEALTH CARE, AND THE RIGHTS 
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AND DUTIES OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN. 
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4. CRITICAL INCIDENCE STRESS DEBRIEFING IS DESIGNED TO 
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ASSIST THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A PWD IN COPING WITH 
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CRISIS SITUATIONS AND CASES OF ABUSE. 
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5. SPECIAL 
PROJECTS 
FOR 
INDIVIDUALS 
IN 
NEED 
OF 
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PROTECTION 
INCLUDING 
TEMPORARY 
SHELTER, 
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COUNSELING, LEGAL ASSISTANCE, AND MEDICAL CARE 
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SECTION 36. FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE. – EMPLOYERS SHALL 
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PROVIDE A FLEXIBLE WORKING SCHEDULE FOR PARENT OR 
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GUARDIAN OF A PWD. PROVIDED, THAT THE SAME SHALL NOT 
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AFFECT INDIVIDUAL AND COMPANY PRODUCTIVITY.  
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SECTION 37. WORK DISCRIMINATION. – NO EMPLOYER SHALL 
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DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY PARENT OF A PWD EMPLOYEE WITH 
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RESPECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT ON 
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ACCOUNT OF THE DISABILITY OF THEIR CHILD, DEPENDENT OR 
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WARD. 
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SECTION 38. PARENTAL LEAVE. – IN ADDITION TO LEAVE PRIVILEGES 
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UNDER EXISTING LAWS, PARENTAL LEAVE OF NOT MORE THAN 
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SEVEN (7) WORKING DAYS WITH PAY EVERY YEAR SHALL BE 
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GRANTED TO ANY PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A PWD EMPLOYEE 
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WHO HAS RENDERED SERVICE OF AT LEAST SIX (6) MONTHS.  
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SECTION 39. HOUSING BENEFITS. – PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A PWD 
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SHALL BE GIVEN ALLOCATION IN HOUSING PROJECTS AND SHALL 
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BE PROVIDED WITH LIBERAL TERMS OF PAYMENT ON SAID 
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GOVERNMENT LOW-COST HOUSING PROJECTS IN ACCORDANCE 
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WITH HOUSING LAW PROVISIONS PRIORITIZING APPLICANTS 
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BELOW THE POVERTY LINE AS DECLARED BY THE NEDA. 
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SECTION 40. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. – THE DOH SHALL DEVELOP 
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COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS FOR PARENTS OR 
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GUARDIANS OF PWDS. THE PROGRAM SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED BY 
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THE 
DOH 
THROUGH 
PROVINCIAL/DISTRICT/CITY/MUNICIPAL 
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HOSPITALS AND RURAL HEALTH UNITS (RHUS) IN ALL LOCAL 
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GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS) AND THROUGH THE PHILIPPINE 
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HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION (PHILHEALTH). FURTHER, 
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AUTOMATIC 
COVERAGE 
UNDER 
THE 
NATIONAL 
HEALTH 
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INSURANCE PROGRAM (NHIP) BEING ADMINISTERED BY THE 
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PHILHEALTH WITH PREMIUM CONTRIBUTIONS TO BE PAID BY THE 
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NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. 
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SECTION 5. Incentives to Private Entities – Private entities employing parents 
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or guardians of persons with disabilities (PWDs), either as regular employee, 
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apprentice or learner, shall be entitled to an additional deduction from their gross 
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income, equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid as 
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salaries and wages to persons with disabilities.  Provided, however, that such 
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entities present a certification from the Regional Offices of the Department of 
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Labor and Employment that they employ parents or guardians of PWDs and a 
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certification from the Department of Health as to the disability of their child or 
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ward.   
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SECTION 6. Implementation and Monitoring. – The Department of Social 
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Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with the Department of 
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Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
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(TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Housing 
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Authority (NHA), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 
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shall ensure the implementation of this Act and monitor compliance. They shall 
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develop a mechanism for the identification and certification of parents, legal 
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guardians, or any responsible person in the direct custody and care of a PWD. 
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SECTION 7. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation 
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of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). 
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SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Department of 
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Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the National 
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Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and other relevant government agencies, 
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shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
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implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this 
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Act. 
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SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
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regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
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repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SECTION 10. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part hereof is held 
234 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not 
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otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 
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SECTION 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved,  
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