UNDERSCORING THEIR DETERMINATION AND CRUCIAL ROLES IN SOCIETY, BONG GO CO-SPONSORS ENHANCED MAGNA CARTA FOR PWDS TO FURTHER PROMOTE THEIR WELFARE

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a staunch advocate for inclusive development and recognized for his health reforms crusade, co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2787, seeking to amend and enhance the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability (PWDs).

In a speech inserted into the Senate records on December 3, Go outlined the importance of strengthening legislative measures to uplift the lives of Filipinos with disabilities, emphasizing that inclusivity is key to national progress.

“Napakalaki ng aking paghanga sa mga PWDs o persons with disabilities. Para sa akin, sila ay mas dapat na tawaging “people of determination” dahil sa kanilang angking katatagan sa buhay at kagalingan sa kanilang larangan,” Go said earlier.

The bill introduces amendments aimed at improving the quality of life for millions of PWDs in the country.

“As legislators and citizens of this country, we have a moral and social responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind and that every Filipino, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our nation’s progress,” Go stated.

Go highlighted the practical struggles faced by PWDs, noting how inflation and high costs of living exacerbate their daily hardships.

“Sa katunayan po, sa kakaikot ko po sa buong bansa, ako mismo, nasaksihan ko kung paano na lamang paghirapan ng ating mga PWDs na kababayan ang kanilang pang-araw-araw. Dagdag pasakit pa po sa kanilang kapansanan ang mga matataas na bilihin na dulot ng inflation,” he remarked.

To alleviate these burdens, the proposed amendments include a monthly stipend of PHP 500 for indigent and marginalized PWDs with severe disabilities, aimed at addressing their basic subsistence, medical, and other essential needs.

Additionally, the measure mandates the provision of free assistive technology devices and services, such as technical aids and prosthetics, to enhance the social and economic participation of PWDs.

The bill also seeks to reduce financial barriers by exempting PWDs from several government-imposed fees. These include waivers on passport processing fees, travel taxes, terminal fees, and other charges levied in airports, ports, and terminals.

“This measure will also exempt PWDs from passport processing fees, as well as travel taxes, terminal fees, and other fees charged in airports, ports, or other terminals by the government,” Go emphasized, underscoring the importance of accessibility in fostering inclusion.

For Go, the passage of SBN 2787 represents more than just policy change—it signals a commitment to an equitable society where PWDs are active contributors to national development. “In passing this bill, we are championing a vision of a more inclusive and equitable society,” he declared.

He also signified his intent to co-author the measure.

In 2019, Go principally authored and sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11463, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. The law streamlines the provision of medical assistance from the government by bringing together the relevant agencies under one roof. The centers also have special lanes for PWDs and senior citizens.

Go also co-authored RA 11650, which aims to enhance the quality of education in the formal learning sector by providing free support services as well as programs tailored to the needs of differently-abled learners.

Known as Mr. Malasakit, he continues to champion inclusivity and accessibility in various sectors, co-authoring and filing significant pieces of legislation to address these needs. One such measure is Senate Bill No. 777, which seeks to enhance accessibility in voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. This proposed legislation aims to eliminate barriers and ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of age or physical condition, can exercise their right to vote with ease and dignity.

In line with his advocacy, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 2789, which focuses on the welfare of para-athletes. This bill highlights the need to provide para-athletes with the support and opportunities necessary to thrive, recognizing their vital contributions to Philippine sports and their role in bringing pride to the country through international competitions.

“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos,” Go ended.