Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4130

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
Third Congressional District, Camarines Sur

The Philippines has made significant strides in protecting the rights and
welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through landmark legislation, notably
Republic Act No. 7277, or the "Magna Carta for Persons with Disability," as
amended by Republic Act No. 9442 and Republic Act No. 10754. While these laws
have provided a robust legal framework, a critical gap persists in providing
consistent and universal financial support.

In particular, PWDs face substantial and unique economic challenges,
including additional expenses for medicines, healthcare, assistive devices, and
specialized transportation. The existing social pension program, which is currently
limited to indigent PWDs, excludes a vast number of individuals who, despite not
meeting the official criteria for indigency, still struggle with the financial burdens
imposed by their disabilities.

By establishing a universal social pension for all registered PWDs,
regardless of their income status, the government can help alleviate the financial
‘strain on PWDs and their families. This monthly stipend will not only augment their
daily subsistence but also promote their dignity, independence, and overall quality
of life.

This proposed measure, which is an enhanced version of a similar bill filed
by Representatives Alfred Delos Santos and Ernesto M. Dionisio, Jr. during the
19th Congress, seeks to address this disparity.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought

fs GACION
seflatiye, Third District, Camarines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4139

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
Third Congressional District, Camarines Sur

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A UNIVERSAL SOCIAL PENSION FOR ALL
REGISTERED PERSONS WITH DISABILITY (PWDs), AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Universal Social
Pension for PWDs Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to uphold the
rights and well-being of Persons with Disability (PWDs), as enshrined in Republic
Act No. 7277, also known as the "Magna Carta for Persons with Disability," as
amended by Republic Act No. 9442 and Republic Act No. 10754, The State
recognizes that disability imposes unique and substantial costs of living and shall,
therefore, provide a universal social pension to all registered PWDs. This grant is
intended to augment their daily subsistence and help cover essential expenses
such as medicines, healthcare, and assistive devices. This measure is in line with
the State's commitment to ensure the dignity, well-being, and full participation of
PWDs in society, moving beyond the current focus on indigent PWDs to provide a
more inclusive and comprehensive social safety net

SECTION 3. Grant of Social Pension. A universal social pension of One
Thousand Pesos (1,000.00) per month is hereby granted to all PWDs who are
duly registered with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and included
in the national PWD registry.

SECTION 4. Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible for and to receive the
social pension, a person must be a registered PWD and must present a valid PWD
Identification Card (ID) upon claiming their benefit. The PWD ID shalll serve as the
official and sole proof of disability and registration required for this purpose.


SECTION 5. Unconditional Grant. The social pension shall be granted
regardless of the PWD's income, employment status, or any other pension they
may be receiving from the government or private entities.

SECTION 6. Lead Implementing Agency and Coordination. - The
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in close coordination
with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and the PDAO of each Local
Government Unit (LGU), shall be the lead agency responsible for the overall
implementation of this Act, including the disbursement of funds and the
management of the PWD registry.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. - The amount required for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's
appropriations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Thereafter, such funds as may be necessary for the continued implementation of
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). The
DSWD, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),
‘shall determine the exact amount needed each fiscal year based on the total
number of eligible PWDs and the prescribed monthly pension rate.

SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within sixty (60)
days from the effectivity of this Act, the DSWD, in consultation with the NCDA,
Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and representatives from PWD
organizations, shall formulate and issue the necessary rules and regulations to
implement the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. \f any part of this Act is deemed
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall remain in force.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, or orders inconsistent
with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly

SECTION 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,