The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has called for the strict implementation of laws that protect persons with disabilities (PWDs) against abuse and discrimination, particularly in public utility vehicles (PUVs).

This comes in the wake of a June 9 incident involving a 25-year-old PWD, known as “Mak-Mak,” who was reportedly assaulted and ridiculed inside a bus. His family has filed charges with the help of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the need to educate PUV drivers, conductors, and operators on Republic Act 9442, which amends the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.

“It’s about time that the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities become part of the refresher courses for bus drivers, conductors and even operators of PUVs so they can be better informed on the rights of commuters who have disabilities, whether apparent or non-apparent in the case of those with mental challenges or illness,” Dumlao said on Thursday, July 10.

A child abuse complaint was filed by Mak-Mak’s family before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, July 9.

Among those named in the complaint are the bus driver and conductor. The complaint cites Section 10(a) of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

DSWD’s Field Office 3 (Central Luzon) earlier extended assistance to the victim’s family in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.

“The DSWD will also provide livelihood assistance to the family of Mak-mak. We will also provide assistance for Mak-mak’s therapy as a person with disability that is non-apparent,” Dumlao added.

She reminded PUV operators and personnel of the legal consequences of failing to protect PWD passengers.

“Those who are proven to have violated the provisions of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities are looking at from six months to two years imprisonment plus a fine ranging from Php50,000 to Php200,000 depending on the gravity of the offense,” she said.

Also, Dumlao pointed to the recent case of Julian Tacbad, a PWD with a severe visual impairment, who was mocked by fellow passengers while attempting to sit in a priority seat on the LRT-Line 1.

“There is also a need for a massive information drive to educate the commuting public that persons with disabilities who are non-apparent such as the case of Mak-mak and Julian. This will ensure that both the drivers and commuters will be aware of the disabilities that are not visible,” she said.