By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian is advocating for more accessible public transportation for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to help them engage more actively in their communities.
Gatchalian shared that his office has received numerous complaints from PWDs struggling to access public transportation.
“My office has been receiving numerous complaints from PWDs who have difficulty accessing public transportation,” Gatchalian said. He added that PWDs face significant challenges, such as issues with ramps that are meant to provide access to transport.
“They often can’t board the MRT or LRT, especially when the escalators or elevators that lead to the platforms are broken. Sometimes, they can’t even get on jeepneys because they are slow to move,” he said.
While Gatchalian has been calling attention to those who exploit fake PWD IDs for personal gain, he also emphasized the equally important need to ensure that genuine PWDs receive the benefits intended for them. One key concern is access to transportation.
Additionally, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means stressed the need for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to adopt design standards that ensure easy access to both existing transport systems and those still under development.
According to the National Council on Disability Affairs, the total number of registered PWDs as of January 8 this year is 1.9 million.
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