MANILA, Philippines (Eagle News) — Persons With Disabilities (PWD) can now enjoy their expanded benefits and privileges this coming year in light of the implementation of Republic Act 10754.
Under the law, PWDs will be entitled to the following benefits and privileges such as: at least twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT) in various commodities like land, sea and air transportation, medical and dental fees, medicines, funeral and burial services and even discounts for theatres and cinemas entrances .
PWDs in ‘Tahanang Walang Hagdan’ are very excited because the implementation of the law will give them more savings this year. Some of their members expressed their happiness because it would make their life a little bit easier because of the discounts they are entitled to.
One of the PWDs staying at the “Tahanang Walang Hagdan” said this was a very welcome development.
“I’m happy and hoping that at this point in time we will be able to feel that the Government is truly caring for the PWD sector because we’re not receiving any social benefits or pension from the government,” said Maricel Candole who was interviewed in government-run PTV 4.
“At least through the implementation of this law, we can benefit from expanded discounts that will help us in saving money for our other needs,” she said.
The law also highlights the P25,000 deduction in annual income taxes for relatives taking care of the PWDs.
However, the law exemptions are at risk of being lifted because the new tax package submitted by the Department of Finance to the Ways and Means committee of the House of Representatives lifts all exemptions to PWDs and senior citizens because of the proposed lowering of the income tax.