DSWD urged to report on PWD discount compliance

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) should update the public, through Congress, on compliance with the law that exempts persons with disability from payment of value-added tax on certain goods and services.

“We want to know from the government how the concerned people have been complying to this law. We should show compassion to the plight of our PWDs. Congress should also exercise its oversight function,” reelected Rep. Martin Romualdez said.

At the same time, the returning Leyte congressman, who authored Republic Act 10754 (An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability), urged the House of Representatives to use its oversight function by assessing how the law is being implemented.

“We just want to ensure that PWDs are enjoying the benefits they deserve under the law, three years after its enactment. Let us work to beef up efforts in informing the public about the standards set by law for the rights and privileges of our PWDs,” he said of the law that exempts more than 1.5 million PWDs from paying a 12 percent valued-added tax (VAT).

Romualdez said the DSWD, National Council on Disability Affairs and the House should also look into possible abuse by some unscrupulous or enterprising individuals like those who have listed illegitimate beneficiaries.

“Possible cases of abuse in the privileges granted to PWDs under the law must be checked. Only legitimate PWDs should benefit from the law,” he warned.

The 12 percent VAT exemption is on top of the 20 percent discount that PWDs have been enjoying under RA 9442 (An Act Amending RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, and for Other Purposes).

The PWD VAT exemption law applies to restaurants; recreation centers, such as theaters, movie houses, and concert halls; and lodging establishments such as inns, motorist hotels and dormitories.

It also covers the purchase of medicines and foods for special medical purposes; medical and dental services, including laboratory fees and professional fees of attending doctors; domestic air, sea, and land transportation travel; and funeral and burial services.

It requires all establishments to place signs listing the benefits and privileges of PWDs within their premises.

The law includes the provision of tax incentives to those caring for and living with PWDs up to the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity.

Qualified PWDs should present an ID issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office or their local DSWD office where the PWD resides, the passport of the concerned person with apparent disability, or an ID issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs.