Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 6535

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to provide an enabling and empowering mechanism for people with
disabilities (PWDs) to enhance their mobility, ease and comfort through PWD-friendly modes of
transportation.

While establishments in the government and private sector have faithfully complied with
laws mandating them to put in place, as integral parts of their entrance, ramps and platforms
which persons with disabilities (PWDs) can access, such cannot be said of the country’s
transportation system. Against able-bodied passengers who jostle for riding space in buses and
jeepneys, PWDs are rendered helpless on their own because these transport modes have no
enabling mechanism for them. Unlike advanced count ies, particularly the United States, which
implemented inclusive mobility for the differently-abled citizens, the Philippines has yet to

initiate a similar program despite increasing numbers of economically-productive, and mobile
Filipino PWDs.

Proactive measures are needed now as the PWDs’ contributions to the national economy
are on an incremental trajectory. Many of them are in the business Process outsourcing industry,
financial system, and creative industries. Potentially, the PWD sector can contribute more as
there are many of them who are out there in confines of their homes as there are no facilitating
conveyances to transport them to centers of employment.

Premises considered, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

FRED VARGAS,


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No."_ 8535

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS:

AN ACT

TO INSTITUTE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES  (PWDS)-FRIENDLY
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IN CITIES AND URBAN CENTERS OF THE
COUNTRY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE

SECTION 1.Policy- It is the policy of the State to promote the rights of every individual, access
to economic opportunities considering their conditions and needs.

SECTION 2,Pursuant to this policy, there shall be established, under the Department of
Transportation, a transportation and mobility program for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

SECTION 3.The initial amount of one hundred million pesos (P100M) needed for the
implementation of this program shall be charged to the budget of the Department of
Transportation under the General Appropriation Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary
for its continued implementation shall be included in the General Appropriation Act.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause- If, for any reason, any provision of this Act or the
application of such provision to any person, group, and circumstance is declared invalid or
lunconstitutional, the remainder of this Act shall not be affected by such declaration,

SECTION 5, Repealing Clause- The provisions of this, as amended and all other laws, decrees,
executive order, rules and regulations, issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provision
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Effectivity- This law shall take effect as soon as it is published in the Official
Gazette,

Approved,