Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1509)
The government fully accepts and supports the United Nations Economic and Social Council Resolution on disability, recognizing the prevention of disability and rehabilitation of the disabled as essential parts of comprehensive social and economic development plans, with primary responsibility assumed by the government in coordination with non-governmental organizations.
The purpose of creating the Commission is to direct, coordinate, and integrate planning, management, and implementation of all activities related to the welfare of the handicapped, ensure efficient utilization of resources, and promote the integration of disabled persons into the mainstream of society.
The Commission operates under the supervision and control of the Office of the President of the Philippines.
Core objectives include preparing a comprehensive National Rehabilitation Plan, ensuring universal access to welfare programs, conducting studies on disability causes, proposing policies and legislation, coordinating activities of various agencies, establishing international contacts, advising the President, ensuring participation of disabled persons in rehabilitation, and educating the public.
The Commission can monitor and evaluate welfare projects, undertake research, conduct public hearings, maintain educational programs, coordinate agencies, prepare reports to the President, seek assistance from government and other entities, supervise demonstration projects, establish rehabilitation standards, recommend data systems, and encourage referral systems.
The Board is composed of a chairman appointed by the President; directors or secretaries from agencies including NEDA, Health, Labor, Social Services and Development, National Defense, Education and Culture; the Presidential Assistant on Legal Affairs; presidents of rehabilitation and veterans organizations; two disabled persons chosen by the Commission; and three private sector representatives.
The Chairman calls and presides over meetings, disburses and administers funds, manages affairs of the Commission, implements Board decisions and policies, represents the Commission, accepts donations, and organizes committees as necessary.
The PFRD serves as the Secretariat of the Commission, coordinating policies, program implementation, and providing organizational services; its Executive Director acts as Secretary and Action Officer for the Commission.
Disability refers to impairment of physical or mental function limiting living, social, or employment capabilities. Handicap is the disadvantage making achievement difficult due to impairment and obstacles to reaching maximum function. Rehabilitation is restoring the disabled to their fullest physical, mental, social, and economic usefulness within their limitations.
The Board meets monthly or more often as called by the Chairman. A quorum is five members, and decisions are valid only with unanimous votes from all five members present in the quorum.
Initial funding of 1,500,000 pesos is appropriated from the National Treasury, with subsequent annual appropriations to support the operation of the Commission. The Commission may also receive donations exempt from taxes.
No, donations, grants, and contributions are exempt from customs duties, income, and gift taxes, and are fully deductible without affecting the maximum deductible limit under the National Internal Revenue Code.
All laws and executive orders or parts thereof inconsistent with this decree are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.