Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY 
AFFAIRS OFFICES (PDAOs) IN ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10070, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM TO ENSURE THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH 
DISABILITIES IN EVERY PROVINCE, CITY, AND MUNICIPALITY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The objective of Republic Act No. 10070, which establishes institutional 
mechanism to ensure the implementation of programs and services for 
Persons with Disabilities in every province, city and municipality is to ensure 
that relevant and sustainable programs for Persons with Disabilities are 
implemented at the local level. Under this law, specific roles ascribed to Local 
Government Units (LGUs) are initially delineated and coordinated within the 
operational framework of Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO). For 
provinces, cities, and 1st to 3rd class municipalities, PDAO shall be 
established through a Local Ordinance. While 4th to 6th class municipalities, 
a Focal Person (FP) performs the functions of PDAO, which is mandated 
through an Executive Order. 
However, thirteen years after RA No. 10070 was passed, over 50% LGUs 
still have yet to establish their respective PDAO. Based on the recent record 
of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), there are 739 PDAOs or 
43% compliance as of February 2022. One of the primary reasons for non-
compliance is funding constraints. Since the establishment of an office is 
subject to the availability of funds, it leaves discretion to LGUs to create their 
respective PDAO. Not to mention that the success of data gathering, 
comprehensive 
database, 
further 
capacity 
building, 
information 
dissemination and public awareness campaigns all remain to be seen. 
September 23, 2022
12:22 pm
5111


In addition, there is still a lack of updated and reliable official data on 
the actual number of the disability sector, which has a strong correlation to 
delays in policy implementation. Due to lack of capacity and funding sources, 
many LGUs do not have a properly maintained database. This highlights the 
pressing need to capacitate and establish PDAOs in all LGUs tasked to have 
a uniform and standardized local database linked to a national Philippine 
Registry for Persons with Disability (PRPWD) system. 
In light of the implementation of the Mandanas ruling and in the 
continuous, and overdue, quest for improving local service delivery for the 
disability sector, the need to insist on the mandatory nature of the creation of 
PDAOs and appropriate funding source for the establishment and operations 
of PDAOs is timely and imperative. 
This measure proposed to amend RA No. 10070 specifically to: (1) 
ensure the mandatory creation and operation of PDAO in all Local 
Government Units (LGUs); (2) provide a clear budget allocation for its 
establishment; (3) further strengthen its functions; (4) include a uniform and 
standardized local database linked to a national PRPWD system; (5) ensure 
mechanisms for data management, capacity building, and information 
dissemination about PDAO; and (6) refine its fragmented institutional 
framework. 
After more than a decade from the enactment of RA No. 10070, policy 
interventions should be made to fully strengthen the implementation of RA 
No. 7277 and to ensure relevant and sustainable programs as well as active 
participation and empowerment of the disability sector in various 
undertakings and projects of LGUs. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought.  
REP. PM VARGAS   
Fifth District, Quezon City 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY 
AFFAIRS OFFICES (PDAOs) IN ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10070, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM TO ENSURE THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH 
DISABILITIES IN EVERY PROVINCE, CITY, AND MUNICIPALITY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Persons with 
Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in All Local Government Units Act". 
SECTION 2. Section 1 of Republic Act No. 10070, amending Section 40 of 
Republic Act No. 7277, is hereby further amended to read as follows and shall 
renumber the sub-sections therein accordingly: 
Sec. 40. of Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, is hereby further 
amended to read as follows AND SHALL RENUMBER THE SUB-
SECTIONS THEREIN ACCORDINGLY: 
Sec. 40. Role of National Agencies and Local Government Units. 
(a) [Local government units shall promote the establishment of
organizations of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in their
respective territorial jurisdictions.] ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UNITS (LGUs) SHALL PROMOTE AND INCLUDE IN THEIR
LOCAL PRIORITY PROGRAMS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
PERSONS WITH DISABILITY AFFAIRS OFFICE (PDAO) IN
THEIR RESPECTIVE TERRITORIAL JURISDICTIONS. National
agencies and local government units may enter into joint
ventures with PDAO AND OTHER organizations or associations
of [PWDs] PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES to explore livelihood
5111


opportunities and other undertakings that shall enhance the 
OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE, health and physical fitness, 
COGNITIVE, 
economic, 
social, 
MENTAL, 
AND 
PSYCHOLOGICAL well-being of [PWDs] PERSONS WITH 
DISABILITIES. 
 
(b) Local government units THROUGH ITS LOCAL CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE shall organize and establish the following: 
 
(1) Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) 
PDAO shall be created in every province, city and municipality.  ALL 
PROVINCES, CITIES, AND MUNICIPALITIES ARE MANDATED TO 
ESTABLISH THEIR RESPECTIVE PERSONS WITH DISABILITY 
AFFAIRS OFFICE (PDAO) DIRECTLY UNDER THE OFFICE OF 
THE LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE (OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, 
CITY OR MUNICIPAL MAYOR, RESPECTIVELY). The local chief 
executive shall appoint a PDAO HEAD who shall manage and 
oversee the EFFICIENT operations of the office, pursuant to its 
mandate under this Act. Priority shall be given to qualified [PWDs] 
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES to head the said office in carrying 
out the following functions: 
 
(i) Formulate and implement policies, plans and programs for the 
promotion of EMPOWERMENT, RIGHTS, AND [the] welfare of 
[PWDs] PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES in coordination with 
concerned national and local government agencies;  
 
(ii) Coordinate the implementation of the provisions of this Act, 
Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, otherwise known as the Accessibility 
Law, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10754, and ALL other relevant 
DISABILITY-RELATED laws at the local level;  
 
(iii) Represent [PWDs] PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES in 
meetings of local development councils and other special bodies;  
 
(iv) Recommend and enjoin the participation of non-government 
organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs) in the 
implementation of all disability-related laws and policies;  
 
(v) Gather and compile relevant data on [PWDs] PERSONS WITH 
DISABILITIES in their localities;  
 
(VI) MAINTAIN A UNIFORM AND STANDARDIZED LOCAL 
DATABASE LINKED TO A NATIONAL PHILIPPINE REGISTRY 
FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY (PRPWD) SYSTEM; 
 
(vii) Disseminate information including, but not limited to, 
programs 
and 
activities 
for 
[PWDs] 
PERSONS 
WITH 
DISABILITIES, 
statistics 
on 
[PWDs] 
PERSONS 
WITH 


DISABILITIES WITH CATEGORIES BY ASSIGNED SEX AT 
BIRTH, GENDER, TYPE OF DISABILITY, PER BARANGAY, 
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, EMPLOYMENT STATUS, AND 
OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION, including children with 
disability, and training and employment opportunities for [PWDs] 
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES;  
 
(viii) Submit reports to the office of the local chief executive on the 
implementation of programs and services for the promotion of 
EMPOWERMENT, RIGHTS, AND welfare of [PWDs] PERSONS 
WITH DISABILITIES in their respective areas of jurisdiction;  
 
(ix) Ensure that the policies, plans and programs for the 
promotion of EMPOWERMENT, RIGHTS, AND welfare of [PWDs] 
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES are funded by both the national 
and local government;  
 
(x) Monitor fundraising activities being conducted for the benefit 
of [PWDs] PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES;  
 
(xi) Seek donations in cash or in kind from local or foreign donors 
to implement an approved work plan for [PWDs] PERSONS WITH 
DISABILITIES, in accordance with existing laws and regulations; 
and  
 
(xii) Perform such other functions as may be necessary for the 
promotion of EMPOWERMENT, RIGHTS, AND welfare of [PWDs] 
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.  
 
(2) Focal Person  
 
In consideration of budget restraints, local chief executives of fourth 
(4th), fifth (5th) and sixth (6th) class municipalities may, in lieu of 
the creation of a PDAO, designate a focal person who shall perform 
the functions of the PDAO. Priority in appointment should be given 
to a [PWDs] PERSON WITH DISABILITIES with experience in 
providing services to THE DISABILITY SECTOR. 
 
The establishment of a PDAO or the appointment of a focal person, 
as the case may be, should be done in consultation and coordination 
with the DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), 
NGOs and POs.  
 
SECTION 3. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 10070 is hereby amended to read 
as follows:  
SEC 2. References to the term “Disabled Persons” on the title and 
other sections of the same Act are hereby amended to read as 


PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs). 
SECTION 4. Section 3 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
SEC 3. Within three (3) years after the effectivity of this Act, 
appropriate agencies, headed by the DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR 
AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DILG) [Department of Social Weldare 
and Development (DSWD)], in consultation with the DEPARTMENT 
OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD), NCDA, and 
relevant NGOs and POs, shall review its implementation and 
recommend to Congress the need to mandate the establishment of a 
PDAO in fourth (4th), fifth (5th) and sixth (6th) class municipalities.   
 
SECTION 5. A new section 4 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
SEC. 4. CREATION OF A DATABASE. - ALL PDAOS IN EVERY 
PROVINCE, 
CITY 
AND 
MUNICIPALITY 
ARE 
HEREBY 
AUTHORIZED AND REQUIRED TO CREATE, COLLECT AND 
MAINTAIN A UNIFORM AND STANDARDIZED LOCAL DATABASE 
ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES LINKED TO A NATIONAL 
PHILIPPINE REGISTRY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY 
(PRPWD) SYSTEM. DILG AND DOH ARE MANDATED TO 
FACILITATE THE CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A 
UNIFORM LOCAL DATABASE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY. 
THE 
DATABASE 
SHALL 
INCLUDE 
STATISTICS 
AND 
INFORMATION 
ON 
PERSONS 
WITH 
DISABILITIES 
WITH 
CATEGORIES BY ASSIGNED SEX AT BIRTH, GENDER, TYPE OF 
DISABILITY, PER BARANGAY, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, 
EMPLOYMENT 
STATUS, 
AND 
OTHER 
REQUIRED 
INFORMATION.  
SECTION 6. Section 4 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows 
and re-numbered accordingly: 
SEC. 5. THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT (DILG) IS MANDATED TO ENSURE THAT THE 
ANNUAL 
BUDGET 
OF 
EVERY 
PROVINCE, 
CITY 
AND 
MUNICIPALITY 
INCLUDES 
PROVISIONS 
TO 
FUND 
THE 
ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERSONS WITH DISABILITY OFFICE 
(PDAO) IN THEIR RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS. 
IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY CARRY OUT THE OBJECTIVES OF 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10070, EVERY PROVINCE, CITY AND 
MUNICIPALITY ARE HEREBY MANDATED TO ALLOCATE AT 
LEAST 1 % FROM THEIR GENERAL FUND FOR THE 
ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF A PERSONS WITH 
DISABILITY 
OFFICE 
(PDAO) 
IN 
THEIR 
RESPECTIVE 
JURISDICTIONS AND THAT THE SAME BE INCLUDED IN THE 
LGUS ANNUAL PLANS AND BUDGETS. 
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs) ARE LIKEWISE MANDATED 


TO ENSURE THAT THE NECESSARY FUND FROM LOCAL 
REVENUES IS ALLOCATED FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 
THIS ACT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE DISABILITY SECTOR 
THEIR JURISDICTIONS. 
SECTION 7. A new section 6 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
SEC. 6. APPROPRIATIONS. THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO 
CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT SHALL BE 
INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT 
(GAA). 
 
 
SECTION 8. A new section 7 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
 
SECTION 7. CREATION OF THE BUREAU OF DISABILITY 
AFFAIRS. - THE BUREAU OF DISABILITY AFFAIRS (BDA), 
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE BUREAU, IS HEREBY 
CREATED TO SUPERVISE, OVERSEE AND MONITOR THE 
IMPLEMENTATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF PDAOS IN ALL 
LGUS. THE BUREAU SHALL FUNCTION AS A REGULAR BUREAU 
OF 
THE 
DILG, 
UNDER 
THE 
SUPERVISION 
OF 
THE 
DEPARTMENT SECRETARY AND TO BE HEADED BY A BUREAU 
DIRECTOR AND AN ASSISTANT BUREAU DIRECTOR.  
 
THE BUREAU SHALL: 
 
(a) 
ENSURE 
THE 
CREATION, 
COMPLIANCE 
AND 
IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL LGUS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT 
OF PDAO IN THEIR RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS; 
(b) 
PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO LGUS SUCH AS, 
BUT 
NOT 
LIMITED 
TO, 
CAPACITY 
BUILDING 
AND 
FACILITATING A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM SWDO TO 
PDAO;  
(c) 
INCORPORATE THE PRESENCE OF PDAO AND ITS 
PROGRAMS 
AS 
PART 
OF 
THE 
INDICATORS 
BEING 
MONITORED THROUGH LGPMS AND SGLG; 
(d) 
ASSESS AND MONITOR THE FUNCTIONALITY OF PDAOS; 
(e) 
COORDINATE 
WITH 
OTHER 
NATIONAL 
AGENCIES 
REGARDING CONCERNS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES; 
AND 
(f) 
INITIATE AND CONDUCT IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION 
IN NON-COMPLYING LGUS AND RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE 
ACTION WITHOUT DELAY. 
 
SECTION 9. A new section 8 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
 
SECTION 8. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. - 
WITHIN SIXTY (60) DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS 
ACT, 
THE 
DEPARTMENT 
OF 
INTERIOR 
AND 
LOCAL 


GOVERNMENT 
(DILG), 
IN 
COORDINATION 
WITH 
THE 
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT 
(DSWD), NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY AFFAIRS (NCDA), 
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH), COMMISSION ON HUMAN 
RIGHTS (CHR), AND CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (CSC) SHALL 
PROMULGATE AND ISSUE THE NECESSARY GUIDELINES FOR 
THE MANDATORY ESTABLISHMENT OF PDAO IN ALL LGUS. 
 
SECTION 10. Non-Impairment Clause. – Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed as to diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or 
made available to disadvantaged, marginalized, or specific sectors under 
existing laws. 
 
SECTION 11. Separability Clause. – If any portion or provision of this Act 
is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not 
affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. 
 
SECTION 12. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 13. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes first. 
 
Approved,