Villar presses perks for handicapped Pinoys

Former Speaker Manny Villar vowed to carry on the fight to provide added perks and benefits for the country’s handicapped citizens, stressing the need to enable persons with disabilities to integrate smoothly into society.

"The needs of our brothers and sisters with disabilities must not be neglected. I will see to it that their interests are represented," said the People Power Coalition Senatorial candidate.

Under his leadership as Speaker, the House of Representatives passed a measure giving added benefits to persons with disabilities in various establishments such as drug stores and restaurants as well mandating discounts in transport fares and hotel accommodations.

The bill likewise provides medical assistance to handicapped patients in government hospitals around the country.

He points out that the rights of persons with disabilities must be upheld at all times and all the needed assistance to enable them to deal with their disabilities must be provided by government.

"Handicapped Filipinos are one of the most neglected sectors in society," stressed Villar as he vowed to constantly take up the cause of persons with disabilities as he did in the House.

Various physical and mental disabilities, he says, are something that widely affect all social classes, thus the need to provide the needed support to handicapped Filipinos.

"I would like to continue the initiatives that we have started in the House to benefit Filipinos with disabilities," said Villar.

As Speaker, Villar spearheaded the passage of more than 1,000 House measures. This included bills to provide needed assistance to various neglected sectors such as the elderly and war veterans among others.