Authors of the proposed amendments to the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons Act have assured Filipinos with disabilities that the measure will soon be signed into law by President Arroyo.

Reps Faysah RPM Dumarpa (Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Lanao del Sur), Adeline Rodriguez-Zaldarriaga (Lakas,-Kampi-CMD, Rizal) and Monica Prieto-Teodoro (Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Tarlac) disclosed that the bicameral committee report on House Bill 1387 was among the measures ratified by the Lower House before it adjourned two weeks ago.

Dumarpa, chairperson of the House Committee on Social Welfare, said the same report was also ratified in the Senate.

“We don’t see any reason for a veto. President Arroyo has been very supportive of programs designed for the protection and welfare of the less privileged sectors of the Filipino society,” said Dumarpa.

Rodriguez said HB 1387 seeks wider participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the formulation and implementation of policies, plans and programs for the promotion of their welfare.

HB 1387, Rodriguez said, provides for an institutional mechanism to ensure the implementation of programs and services for PWDs, amending Republic Act 7277 otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.”

Under the proposed law, local government units are mandated to create Persons with Disability Affairs Offices which will be in charge as overseer in the enforcement of laws protecting PWDs.

According to Teodoro a PWD affairs officer will be appointed by the mayor as head of the PDAO.