This is my reaction to the news item titled “Chavit bus firm draws fine for disregard of disabled.” (Inquirer, 5/18/11)
This is the first time I came across such a news story about a complaint resolved in favor of persons with disabilities (PWDs). But this may be because the complainant is connected with the Department of Transportation and Communications.
How about us, ordinary PWDs? PWDs are being ignored and are not enjoying the privileges due us under the law—e.g., fare discounts, medicine discounts.
Not even health care professionals and providers (doctors, dentists and clinics) give us discounts. How long must PWDs suffer society’s discrimination?
The government through the National Council on Disability Affairs and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are doing their best to help the PWDs, but other members of society are not doing their share to help uplift the life of PWDs, as envisioned by the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (Republic Act 9442).
—REYNALDO A. CUNANAN,
30 Lily St., Grandvalley Subd.,
Mahabang Parang, Angono, Rizal