The Filipino government is being urged to implement a more comprehensive support system for individuals with disabilities, with a proposed bill aiming to provide a monthly social pension to qualified persons with disability (PWDs).
According to the proposed Social Pension for Persons with Disability Act, every registered PWD with a valid PWD identification card would receive a monthly social pension of at least P1,000. This move aims to help meet the daily needs of PWDs, who often struggle to afford essential expenses such as medicines, assistive devices, rehabilitation, transportation, and other disability-related needs.
The current benefits provided for PWDs are deemed insufficient to cover the additional costs associated with living with a disability. This new proposal seeks to bridge the gap and ensure that PWDs receive adequate support, enabling them to live with dignity and fully participate in society.
The bill also includes a verification system to prevent duplication and fraud, periodic reviews of the pension amount based on inflation, and a grievance mechanism to protect beneficiaries. This multi-faceted approach aims to provide a more secure and reliable support system for PWDs, ultimately reducing the risk of poverty and promoting overall well-being.
