Tax aid pushed for special needs kids’ parents

MANILA, Philippines — Parents and legal guardians of children with special needs should be given tax incentives and financial assistance, a lawmaker said yesterday.

Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi has filed House Bill 9690 to give a “financial lifeline to these caregivers” through income tax deduction due to expenses incurred in taking care of children with special needs.

The measure shall cover expenses such as tuition, therapy, diagnostic evaluations by a medical professional, tutoring, transportation and specialized instructional materials.

“These children are born with or developed conditions that require additional care, support and specialized services,” it read.

Citing data from the United Nations Children’s Fund in 2022, the measure stated that there are some 1.6 million Filipino children with disabilities.