Creation of the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons
- Establishes the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons ("Commission")
- Commission under the supervision and control of the Office of the President
Objectives of the Commission
- Prepare and adopt an integrated and comprehensive long-term National Rehabilitation Plan
- Ensure protection of rights and universal access to services for the handicapped
- Conduct comprehensive studies on rehabilitation services and disability causes
- Propose policies and legislation for better welfare and prevention
- Act as the coordinating body for government, private, and international entities
- Establish and maintain contacts with international rehabilitation organizations
- Serve as national consultative and advisory body to the President
- Promote participation of disabled persons in rehabilitation processes
- Educate and reorient public attitudes towards the disabled
Powers and Functions of the Commission
- Monitor and evaluate programs and projects on welfare of the handicapped
- Conduct research on rehabilitation and disability
- Hold public hearings, conferences, and meetings as needed
- Maintain education, training, and information programs
- Manage necessary mechanisms for coordination and implementation
- Report periodically to the President on activities
- Seek assistance from government agencies and other entities
- Supervise pilot projects in coordination with line agencies
- Set standards and guidelines for rehabilitation programs and facilities
- Encourage information dissemination and data banking systems
- Promote a centralized reference office and effective referral system
Composition of the Commission
- Board of Commissioners with vested powers and functions
- Chairman appointed by the President
- Members include heads of key government departments, presidential assistant on legal affairs, leaders from disabled and veterans' organizations, two disabled persons, and three private sector representatives
Duties of the Chairman
- Preside over board meetings
- Manage funds and Commission affairs
- Ensure implementation of board policies
- Represent the Commission and accept donations
- Organize committees for specific functions
The Secretariat
- Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) serves as the Secretariat
- Coordinates policies and program implementation
- Executive Director of PFRD acts as Secretary and Action Officer
- PFRD reimbursed for expenses incurred
Meetings
- Monthly meetings called by the Chairman, quorum of five members
- Decisions require unanimous vote of quorum members
- Board members receive allowances but no compensation
Appropriations
- Initial funding of 1.5 million pesos appropriated from National Treasury
- Continued funding included in annual general appropriation acts
Donations
- Commission authorized to receive and manage grants, donations, and gifts
- Such contributions exempted from customs duties, income, and gift taxes
- Contributions fully deductible and not subject to maximum deduction limits under tax code
Definition of Terms
- Disability: Impairment of physical or mental function limiting independent living and social participation
- Handicap: Disadvantage making achievement difficult due to physical or psycho-social impairment
- Rehabilitation: Restoration to fullest physical, mental, social, and economic usefulness within disability limits
Repealing Clause
- Repeals or modifies laws and executive orders inconsistent with this Decree
Effectivity
- Decree takes effect immediately upon signing by the President