FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator Richaid 4. Gordon 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the “Magna Carfa for Disabled 
Persons,” strives to provide persons with disabilities (PWDs) with access to 
employment opportunities and quality education, health and social services, among 
others, for them to attain their fullest potential and become active partners in nation 
building. 
The benefits provided under this law are laudable, yet even as it 
recognizes that PWDs are entitled to the same rights and privileges as ordinary 
citizens, no less than Section 13, Article Xlll of the Philippine Constitution provides 
for the creation of a special agency for disabled persons in order to ensure their 
rehabilitation, self-development, self-reliance and integration into the mainstream of 
society. Clearly, this constitutional mandate has not been upheld. 
. 
The World Health Organization estimates that 10% of the total population or 
8.4 million Filipinos have physical, sensory or mental impairments. Seventeen 
percent or 1.4 million Filipinos are orthopedically impaired while 18% or 1.5 million 
Filipinos are visually impaired. These figures should not mask the hidden resource 
well within our fellow Filipinos who are classified as PWDs. According to the 
Commission on Higher Education, about five percent of PWDs receive up to 
secondary education, and about one percent graduate from college. 
With the goal of amplifying the benefits provided under the Magna Carta, this 
bill seeks to integrate persons with disabilities into the mainstream of society and to 
further improve their welfare through the creation of a Persons with Disabilities 
Affairs Office (PDAOJ in every province, city and municipality. This office will serve 
as the organizing or coordinating office focused particularly in exploring livelihood 
opportunities for persons with disabilities. 
For the foregoing reasons, the passage of this meas- 
earnestly sought. 
Senator 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
8 JUL 21 P3 3 4  
Second Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon 
AN ACT 
CREATING THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AFFAIRS OFFICE IN EVERY 
PROVINCEJ CITY AND MUNICIPALITY, AMENDING SECTION 40 OF REPUBLIC 
ACT NO. 7277, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE MAGNA CARTA FOR DISABLED 
PERSONS," AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Ge if enacted by the' Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. - Section 40 of Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as "The Magna 
Carta for Disabled Persons," is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"SECTION 40. Role of National Agencies and Local Government 
(A) Local government units shall promote the establishment of 
organizations of [disabled persons] PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs) 
in their respective territorial jurisdictions. National agencies and local 
government units may enter into joint ventures with organizations or 
associations of [disabled persons] PWDs to explore livelihood opportunities 
and other undertakings that shall enhance the health, physical fitness and 
economic social well-being of [disabled persons] PWDs. 
Units. - 
(B) IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
UNITS TO ENSURE THAT THE AGENCIES CONCERNED SHALL EXTEND 
THE SERVICES PROVIDED IN THIS ACT TO PWDs BY CREATING THE 
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AFFAIRS OFFICE (PDAO) IN EVERY 
PROVINCE, CITY AND MUNICIPALITY." 
Sec. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws or parts thereof, decrees, orders, rules and 
regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
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Approved, 
Sec. 3. Separability Clause. - If any of the provisions of this Act is declared invalid, 
the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
Sec, 4. €ffectiw@ - This p\ci shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation. 
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