CHR supports proposed law on lifetime validity of IDs of persons with permanent disability
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed full support to a proposed legislation that would provide lifetime validity for the identification cards (IDs) of persons with disability (PWDs) like those with permanent physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments.
The proposed law is under House Bill 8440 filed by Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Lordan G. Suan. It sought an amendment to Republic Act No. 7277, the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.
RA 7277 provides that "persons with a disability shall be entitled to… an identification card… [and a] passport which shall be valid for five years upon the issued date,” as verified by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Administrative Order No. 001.
In order to renew their IDs, PWDs are required to submit multiple requirements -- including, but not limited to application form, appropriate documentation confirming one’s medical condition, and payment for the renewal fee.
The CHR said that the five-year validity is necessary to update their status and review the benefits PWDs would receive.
But the CHR said there should be exemptions for those who have permanent disabilities, such as those with total physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments.
"Going through a lengthy process to renew one’s PWD ID may prove to be troublesome…. "Granting a lifetime ID card to persons with permanent disability is an official recognition and validation of the unique needs and situation of this sector," the CHR said.
"It reduces administrative burdens while also making it easy for the sector to consistently access services and entitlements that meet their needs without disruption, especially during emergency and crisis situations," it said.
It then urged the immediate passage of HB 8440 into law. “It will serve as a tool to assert their rights under the law and help ensure equal treatment, non-discrimination, and consistent accessibility in different areas of their life," it said.
It reminded that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) affirms that all individuals must be able to live out their human rights without being subjected to discrimination on the basis of their disability.