The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged transportation authorities to assure the provision of “accessible transportation” to the public, including people with physical impairments.
It pointed out the case of a person with disability (PWD) who struggled to climb the staircase of a train station of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Manila. His photo became viral on social media.
Through Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, the CHFR called on the administration of the LRT and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) to make sure that train stations and train facilities are functioning well and catering even to people with unique needs.
De Guia said: "Accessible transportation with functioning facilities that cater to the unique needs of PWDs are crucial in ensuring equal opportunity and access to basic services for this vulnerable sector. The CHR is deeply concerned that a PWD was seen climbing a high stairway in the LRT Recto Station, as captured in a now viral social media post.”
"We urge the administration of the LRT and MRT to ensure that all facilities, which cater to the specific needs of PWDs are properly working,” she said.
“The government should also do the same for all buildings and facilities—public and private—wherein compliance to Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 or the Accessibility Law and other pertinent laws is ensured," she added.
At the same time, De Guia reminded the government of its commitment to uphold the rights of PWDs.
"We remind the State of its commitment to uphold the rights of PWDs, as embodied in the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, including providing support and creating an environment that will ensure their rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance so they may live freely and as independent as possible," she said.
"The maintenance of such facilities should always be a priority to genuinely serve the ends of inclusivity and accessibility of vulnerable sectors, which also include senior citizens and pregnant women. CHR hopes that proactive efforts will be done by to give due attention to our countrymen and women who are often overlooked and disadvantaged, especially during this period of crisis," she added.
Meanwhile, Transportation Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs Goddes Hope Libiran has already assured the railway sector is "doing everything to address the situation" and is geared towards having train stations that are more “PWD-Friendly".