Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3 48 1

Introduced by: REP. RACHEL MARGUERITE “CUTIE” DEL MAR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The purpose of this legislative measure is to mandate the substitution
of the term “Persons with Disabilities” (PWDs) with the term “People of
Determination” (POD) in all applicable statutes, regulations, policies, official
documents, and government communications.

The term “People of Determination,” which originated in the United
Arab Emirates (UAE), is herein adopted in recognition of its affirming and
empowering connotation. It shifts the focus from limitations to capabilities,
emphasizing the strength, resilience, and potential of individuals with
disabilities. The term shall apply inclusively to all persons with disabilities,
including, but not limited to, those with physical, intellectual, sensory, and
psycho-social impairments.

This bill aims to foster a more respectful and inclusive discourse
regarding disability, and to promote a societal framework that acknowledges
the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of ability.

Furthermore, the measure is in conformity with the State’s obligations
under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which the State is a signatory. Specifically:

Article 1 affirms the objective of securing the full and equal enjoyment
of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities;

Article 4 obliges States Parties to adopt appropriate legislative and
administrative measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in
the Convention; and


.
+ Article 8 mandates the adoption of measures to raise awareness
throughout society, including at the family level, regarding persons with
disabilities, and to promote recognition of their skills, merits, and
contributions.

Accordingly, this bill seeks to align national legislative and policy
frameworks with international standards and best practices in the use of
inclusive and person-centered language, as a means of advancing the rights,
dignity, and participation of persons with disabilities.

Approval of this measure is therefore respectfully and strongly

recommended.

RACHEL GUERITE “CUTIE” DEL MAR


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 348 1

Introduced by: REP. RACHEL MARGUERITE “CUTIE” DEL MAR

AN ACT
REPLACING THE TERM PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs) TO
PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION (POD) IN ALL APPLICABLE STATUTES,
RULES AND GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Persons of Determination. - The term Persons with
Disabilities (PWD) is hereby replaced as Persons of Determination (POD).
POD shall replace all the PWD terms in all the laws, rules, orders,
memoranda and other relevant documents. The new term shall likewise be
used in all government communications and events.

SEC. 2. If any provision of this Act or any parts thereof, shall be
declared unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and
effectivity of the other portions.

SEC. 3. All laws, regulations, executive orders, presidential decrees,
and other issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are
hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 4, This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the official gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,