Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10070)
Republic Act No. 10070 establishes an institutional mechanism to ensure the implementation of programs and services for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in every province, city, and municipality in the Philippines.
RA 10070 further amends Section 40 of Republic Act No. 7277 by mandating the creation of Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAO) in every province, city, and municipality and sets the roles of national agencies and local government units in implementing programs for PWDs.
Every province, city, and municipality is required to create a PDAO to coordinate and implement policies and programs for the welfare of PWDs.
The local chief executive of the province, city, or municipality shall appoint the PWD affairs officer.
Priority shall be given to qualified persons with disabilities to head and man the PDAO.
The PDAO is tasked with formulating and implementing policies for PWDs, coordinating the implementation of disability-related laws, representing PWDs in local councils, gathering data, disseminating information about PWD programs, monitoring fundraising activities, seeking donations, and performing other functions necessary to promote and protect PWD welfare.
Due to budget constraints, these municipalities may designate a focal person instead of creating a full PDAO, who will perform the functions of the office, preferably a PWD with experience providing services to PWDs.
Section 2 changes the term 'Disabled Persons' to 'Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)' in the title and other relevant sections of RA 7277.
Appropriate agencies headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in consultation with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and relevant NGOs and people's organizations, are tasked to review the Act’s implementation and recommend whether to mandate a PDAO in fourth to sixth class municipalities.
The National Government through the DSWD shall ensure the annual budget includes funding for programs supporting PWDs, while local government units are required to allocate necessary funds from local revenues for the implementation of the Act.
The Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette, whichever comes first.
The Separability Clause provides that if any provision is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected and will remain valid and effective.
The PDAO coordinates implementation with Republic Act No. 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons), Batas Pambansa Big. 344 (Accessibility Law), and other relevant laws.
Yes, the PDAO can monitor fundraising activities and seek donations in cash or in kind from local or foreign donors to implement approved work plans for PWDs according to existing laws and regulations.