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The ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ Subcommittee on Accessibility on Built Environment and Transportation (SCABET) finds the incident in Paseo De Sta. Rosa, Laguna regarding the denial of parking space to Ms. Maria Ordoñez and two (2) persons with disability family members as “insensitive and discriminatory to persons with disabilities and constitute a violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (BP 344) and RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities”.

The outright denial of available parking space to persons with disabilities upon request without consideration of mobility needs and disability-related concerns is total non-recognition of their inherent dignity and human rights.

Under BP 344 and its Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), accessible parking spaces are mandated to be inclusive, ensuring safe and convenient access for individuals with mobility limitations, whether due to physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments. BP 344 does not specify any distinction on the type of vehicle allowed to use the allocated persons with disability parking slots therefore, e-tricycle is not prohibited from parking in these areas.

We acknowledge the increasing number of e-tricycle used by persons with disabilities that are affordable and accessible to them. The refusal to allow the use of the Persons with Disability parking slot solely on the basis that the vehicle was an e-tricycle constitutes discrimination and violation to BP 344. Therefore, denying access based on the vehicle type violates the legal protections guaranteed to Persons with disabilities under BP 344.

We strongly call all the Local Government Units (LGUs) to issue ordinance pertaining to accessible parking spaces to support the implementation of the Batas Pambansa 344 ensuring the rights to access of the Persons with Disabilities.

We also urge the Establishments both for private and public use to provide parking spaces for persons with disabilities using any vehicle types.

The committee will prioritize the development of the guidelines on accessibility parking spaces specifically on the designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities and amendment to the Batas Pambansa 344.

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The National Council on Disability Affairs (ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ) expresses deep concern over the incident involving a passenger with a intellectual disability that occurred on July 4, 2025, at the southbound platform of Guadalupe Station in Makati City.

The individual involved is Macmac, the same person featured in a widely circulated video last June during an incident aboard a Precious Grace Transport bus along the EDSA Busway. On July 4, Macmac was riding a bus again. This time, it’s from the Metrolink Bus Corporation when a disturbance occurred.

According to the official incident report filed by responding authorities, the situation resulted in injury to the conductor and caused public alarm. The report details how responding personnel intervened promptly, de-escalated the scene, and provided assistance to the injured conductor.

This second occurrence reminds all of us of the importance of sustained attention and coordinated response to the needs of persons with intellectual disabilities in public spaces. The ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ and DSWD assures the public that it is closely monitoring the case and is actively coordinating with the appropriate agencies and organizations to ensure that responsive, rights-based measures are pursued.

We must address this case impartially and compassionately. We will work with the appropriate agencies and organizations to ensure that our response upholds both the rights of the individual involved and the safety and dignity of the wider community.

We still strongly urge the public to treat persons with intellectual disabilities with respect, compassion, and understanding— not with violence. They deserve safety, inclusion, and care—not fear or stigma. Our collective response should reflect preparedness, not panic.

ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ remains committed to working with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Health (DOH), Local Government Unit of San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, and other partners to make public systems more inclusive and responsive. We will continue to monitor this case and follow through with all concerned agencies to promote long-term, humane, and effective solutions.

Let us build a society that protects and uplifts the dignity of every Filipino.

Placed at the bottom most portion is a white horizontal text box containing logos from left to right that say ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ@47, logos of ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœâ€™s Facebook, website, and Instagram accounts, and hashtag sign Inclusive Pilipinas.

It has come to the attention of the Council of a viral reel post circulating on social media showing physical injury/maltreatment and potential public ridicule against a man with physical disability. In the reel, a man with crutches was smacked on the head, finger pointed at, and possibly mocked by the man in an unidentified city uniform. This physical assault led the man with crutches to go away, experiencing public humiliation.

We, the National Council on Disability Affairs, strongly condemn such maltreatments and other similar degrading and inhumane acts against persons with disability. Physical injury and/or maltreatment is a criminal act in direct violation of Article 266 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC). Moreover, if the case has been filed and the accused be found guilty of public ridicule, he is also liable to RA 9442, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability.

Any individual or group found committing such abominable offenses of physically injuring /maltreating and publicly ridiculing persons with disability shall be liable to corresponding fines and/or imprisonment as stipulated under Article 266 of RPC and RA 9442.

We call on relevant authorities, including the Department of Interior and Local Government, law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Persons with Disabilities Offices (PDAOs) to intensify their efforts to monitor and apprehend abusive individuals who are clearly in violation of human rights, more importantly committed against vulnerable sectors such as persons with disability.

Furthermore, we urge the public to be vigilant and to report cases of similar criminal acts committed against persons with disabilities to the PNP, Persons with Disabilities Offices (PDAOs), and ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ through council@ncda.gov.ph.

As the national lead agency on disability affairs, ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. We stand firm in upholding respect for their inherent dignity and call on all sectors of society to join us in rejecting and condemning all forms of human rights violation against the disability community.

— National Council on Disability Affairs

#Fightfordisabilityright

#Galanginhuwaghamakin

The National Council on Disability Affairs (ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ) issues this firm call to all political candidates, parties, and campaign teams: stop using persons with disabilities as props, tools, or emotional triggers for political gain. We have witnessed far too many political campaigns—past and present—where persons with disabilities are included in photos, videos, or public events not for genuine inclusion, bust as instruments of pity, to dramatize hardship, or to gain public sympathy. This practice is not only insensitive—it is exploitative, unethical, and contrary to both national laws and international human rights standards.

Persons with disabilities are not campaign decorations. They are not stories to be featured simply to provoke emotion or to serve campaign narratives. They are individuals with names, lives, talents, families, dreams, and rights. They deserve genuine respect—not to be used as part of a public relations strategy.

The Philippines, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœs of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), has a clear obligation to promote and protect the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities. Article 1 of the UNCRPD affirms this commitment by stating that the Convention exists to ensure the dignity and rights of all persons with disabilities. In our domestic law, Republic Act No. 9442, which amends the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277), strictly prohibits any form of discrimination, exploitation, or misrepresentation of persons with disabilities, including in political and media settings. Any use of a person’s disability for visual manipulation, emotional appeal, or campaign tactics may result in legal, ethical, or administrative consequences.

If you are aspiring for public office, you are expected to lead by example. You are expected to protect the dignity of every Filipino, especially those who are often excluded and marginalized. Do not use persons with disabilities to promote your candidacy. Do not use their image or story unless there is informed consent and the engagement is respectful and grounded in authentic partnership. Do not stage situations for the camera, nor reduce the real struggles and victories of persons with disabilities into political props. Instead, engage with legitimate organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), support programs that advance their access and empowerment, include them as active participants in your platforms, and represent them truthfully—not as victims, but as equal members of our democracy.

To our fellow Filipinos with disabilities: now is the time to stand firm and protect your dignity. Do not let yourselves be used by campaigns that do not recognize your worth or rights. Raise your voice, participate in civic life, and let the nation see your leadership, your strength, and your rightful place in society. To the public, we urge you to remain vigilant. Be discerning of campaign narratives. If you see persons with disabilities being used in ways that are exploitative, tokenistic, or insincere, speak out. Demand more than feel-good stories—demand real inclusion, genuine consultation, and policies that create lasting impact.

This issue goes beyond campaign strategy. It reflects our national character and the way we treat or most vulnerable citizens. When we allow the use of persons with disabilities as campaign tools, we enable the continuation of discrimination and inequality. Let us instead foster a political culture where every person, regardless of ability, is seen, heard, and valued equally.

The ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ stands united with all Filipinos in defending the dignity, rights, and voice of persons with disabilities. Together, let us build a political environment that is humane, inclusive, respectful, and just.

National Council on Disability Affairs (ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ)

#Fightfordisabilityright

#Galanginhuwaghamakin

The National Council on Disability Affairs (ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ) expresses its deep outrage and strongest condemnation over the recent viral video circulating on social media, which shows a group of four men mocking and ridiculing an elderly woman with disability in Barangay Dela Paz, Antipolo City, on March 31, 2025.

This act is not just offensive—it is criminal.

What these individuals committed is Public Ridicule, a clear violation of Republic Act No. 9442, which amends the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277). Under Section 7 of this law, persons with disabilities are to be protected from public ridicule, mockery, and any form of humiliation that degrades their personhood.

This behavior is unacceptable. It is cruel. It is illegal.

We remind everyone: Mocking or making fun of persons with disabilities is a punishable offense under Philippine law. Perpetrators may face fines and imprisonment. No one is above the law.

The ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ fully supports the legal action being pursued by the concerned parties and commends the Barangay for issuing the necessary Certificate to File Action. We urge law enforcement authorities, especially the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and Persons with Disabilities Affairs Offices (PDAOs) to ensure that the perpetrators are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice without delay.

TO ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND THE PUBLIC: THIS MUST STOP NOW

We call on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the PNP, and local authorities to:

• Intensify monitoring of social media and public spaces for incidents of abuse.
• Immediately respond to complaints involving ridicule or harassment of persons with disabilities.
• Educate communities about the dignity and rights of PWDs.
• Protect vulnerable individuals, especially those who cannot always defend themselves.

TO THE FILIPINO PUBLIC

We urge every Filipino:

• Speak out. Do not be silent in the face of cruelty.
• If you witness similar acts—report them immediately to your local Barangay, PNP, PDAOs, or the ÌìÃÀŽ«Ãœ via council@ncda.gov.ph.

This is not just about one viral video. This is about who we are as a society.

Let us prove that we are a nation that protects its most vulnerable, and that dignity is not negotiable—regardless of age, gender, or ability.

We will not tolerate cruelty. We will not normalize disrespect.

We will fight for justice, and we invite every Filipino to stand with us.

#JusticeForPWDs