Toll discount for PWDs sought

A 20-percent person with disability saving at the tollgate is being lobbied in Congress, another lift seen to further their representation in a constituency that has already guaranteed they enjoy a laundry list of discounts: medical and dental services, transport fares and tax.

The discount would apply to toll fees of skyways and expressways paid via radio frequency identification or similar systems.

It's not seen to hurdle a fair plenary without contest, but Quezon City Representative Marvin Rillo is dead set that another priority lane to the "otherized" group would inspire positive repercussions for the marginalized and the culture around them.

A Philippine Statistics Authority survey estimates that a whopping 12 percent of Filipinos aged 15 years and older experience severe disability.

Proposed House Bill 5275 would require the motor vehicle plying the tollways to be registered in the name of the PWD, who must produce a PWD ID card at the gate when applying for an RFID tag.

It would amend the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons that grants them the slew of other benefits in question.

PWD rights around the world have ensured they avail themselves of services and protection from the government equitably accorded to taxpayers and law-abiding citizens.

A day (3 December of every year) has also been dedicated to the global observance and promotion of their welfare and rights.