DSWD wants rights of disabled to be included in driving refresher course

A law protecting persons with disability (PWDs) from discrimination in public utility vehicles (PUVs) should be part of refresher courses for drivers and conductors, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“It’s about time that the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities become part of the refresher courses for bus drivers, conductors and even operators of PUVs so they can be better informed on the rights of commuters who have disabilities, whether apparent or nonapparent in the case of those with mental challenges or illness,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement.

Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities outlaws discrimination against disabled people in workplaces, transportation and public accommodations.

The DSWD made the suggestion after the family of a PWD identified as “Macmac” filed on Wednesday a complaint in the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office against six people who allegedly mauled him inside a bus on June 9.

The respondents were the Precious Grace Transport bus driver and conductor, a security guard, and three others. They were accused of violating Section 10(a) of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Dumlao said the DSWD will provide assistance to Macmac and his family, including therapy for the victim “who has a disability that is nonapparent (intellectual disability).”

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Earlier, the DSWD reminded the public that even people with nonapparent disabilities are entitled to benefits and privileges under RA 7277.

This was after a disabled person with an eyeglass prescription of over 1,150 for both eyes due to congenital cataracts was bashed online for sitting in a priority seat inside a train of the Light Rail Transit Line 1.