Romualdez optimistic PNoy will sign PWD bill

Senatorial candidate and Leyte first district Representative Martin Romualdez is optimistic that President Benigno Aquino III will sign his bill seeking to ensure the benefits of Persons With Disabilities in the country.

Romualdez said that House Bill No. 1039 is now in Malacañang waiting for the president’s signature.

"My proposed bill is now in Malacañang for signature of the President. Sana hindi naman ma veto katulad ng SSS bill," said Romualdez.

Romualdez is a common senatorial candidate under the tickets of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

He said the proposed measure would exempt PWDs from paying value added taxes on certain goods and services.

"We have around three million PWDs. Bahagi sila ng ating lipunan at para magiging productive sila," said Romualdez,.

Romualdez is also being endorsed by the 40-man Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc.

The proposed bill seeks to amend Section 32 of Republic Act No. 7277 otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability,” as amended by RA 9442 by providing that PWDs shall be exempted from VAT in addition to the 20 percent discount they are already enjoying for the classes of goods and services.

The proposed measure shall apply on the following: medical and dental services, purchase of medicines in all drugstores, public railways, skyway and bus fare, admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses, concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other places of culture, leisure and amusement; and all services i n hotels and similar l odging establishments, restaurants, and recreation centers.

Romualdez said that the granting of this benefit to PWDs would greatly help improve their living conditions.

Romualdez added that if approved by the President, PWDs will be accorded by the same privilege currently enjoyed by senior citizens who are also exempted from the VAT by virtue of Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.