The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reminded business establishments to honor the discounts and other statutory privileges for persons with disabilities as mandated by Republic Act (RA) 10754, also known as An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability.
Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, and Attached and Supervised Agencies (IAASA) Elaine Fallarcuna made the appeal, citing cases of non-compliance of business establishments being addressed by the department, through its attached agency, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).
The penalties that can be faced if they do not comply are indicated in the law, specifically the 20 percent discount for persons with disability which is still on top of the VAT-exempt [on selected goods and services],” she added.
Salient features of the law include the 20 percent discount and exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) on the purchase of certain goods and services; reiteration of the rights of persons with disability to avail social insurance; educational assistance; special discounts in the purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities; and express lanes in all commercial and government establishments.
Violators of the law may face a fine ranging from P50,000 to P200,000 or imprisonment of six months up to six years.
