Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9442)
Republic Act No. 9442 is an act amending Republic Act No. 7277, known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which provides additional privileges, incentives, and protections for persons with disability in the Philippines.
RA 9442 added Chapter 8, titled 'Other Privileges and Incentives', to Title Two of Republic Act No. 7277.
Persons with disability are entitled to at least a 20% discount on hotel services, restaurants, recreational centers, admission fees to cultural and entertainment venues, medicines, medical and dental services in government and private facilities, and public transportation fares including domestic air and sea travel.
The law provides educational assistance through scholarships, grants, financial aids, subsidies, and other incentives to qualified persons with disability to pursue primary to post-tertiary education including vocational or technical education, subject to meeting minimum admission requirements.
No, persons with disability cannot claim RA 9442 discounts if they qualify for a higher discount granted by commercial establishments or under other existing laws; discounts under RA 9442 may not be combined with other discount programs.
Entitlement can be proven by presenting an ID card issued by the city or municipal mayor or barangay captain where the person with disability resides, a passport, or a Transportation Discount Fare Identification Card issued by the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP).
First-time violations are penalized with a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 or imprisonment from six months to two years or both. Subsequent violations incur fines from P100,000 to P200,000 or imprisonment from two to six years or both.
Abuse of privileges is punishable by imprisonment of not less than six months or a fine from P5,000 to P50,000 or both at the court's discretion.
RA 9442 prohibits any public ridicule or vilification, defined as acts or activities that mock, incite hatred, or cause loss of self-esteem to persons with disability, wherever and whenever such acts occur.
They are granted dependent status under the National Internal Revenue Code for tax purposes, and institutions establishing homes or communities for persons with disability may receive a realty tax holiday for five years and priority in infrastructure maintenance.