PWDs in city cry discrimination

CEBU, Philippines - The federation of persons with disabilities in Cebu City, which has at least 5,000 members, is asking Mayor Michael Rama to help them deal with public utility drivers who allegedly refuse to let them ride their units.

Several PWDs went to the City Hall yesterday to air their sentiments to the mayor.

Leonilo Omayan, president of the Cebu City Government Federation of Persons with Disabilities, said they decided to see the mayor after many of their close to 6,000 members have experienced being rejected from riding jeepneys and taxis.

“Kapoy kuno, hasol,” one of those who went to City Hall told reporters yesterday.

Omayan said Rama has assured them that he will meet with PUV operators and transportation officials to discuss the matter.

Omayan said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has assured to assist them with their complaints against drivers. A PUV driver who will be found guilty for refusal to convey may have his license suspended for one month and may be fined P1,000. A higher fine will be imposed on the second offense while LTO may revoke the license on the third offense. 

Under the law, PUV drivers should accommodate PWD’s on the vehicle’s front seats and grant them a 20 percent discount on the fare. Omayan, however, said there are drivers who refuse to give discounts. 

On a separate issue, the PWD’s have complained about the seeming absence of activities specifically for differently-abled persons in the different barangays in Cebu City. Rama said this can be addressed if the City Budget Office is alert enough to review the proposed budgets of the barangays. (FREEMAN)