The Autism Society of the Philippines works tirelessly towards the protection of the rights of and the enrichment of the benefits available to persons with autism and their families. The following are the laws and implementing guidelines in effect in the Philippines, which champion the cause of persons with autism, and other disabilities. More Philippine disability laws can be found at the NCDA website.
Republic Acts
Anti-Bullying Act. Republic Act Number 10627, dated 05 June 2013. “Bullying shall refer to any severe or repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property; creating a hostile environment at school for the other student; infringing on the rights of the other student at school; or materially and substantially disrupting the education process or the orderly operation of a school”
Equal Opportunity Employment. Republic Act Number 10524, dated 23 July 2012. “At least one percent (1%) of all positions in all government agencies, offices or corporations shall be reserved for persons with disability: Provided, That private corporations with more than one hundred (100) employees are encouraged to reserve at least one percent (1%) of all positions for persons with disability.”
Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens. Republic Act Number 10336, dated 23 July 2012. “The State shall ensure that persons with disabilities and senior citizens are able to exercise their right to political participation without discrimination or restrictions. Towards this end, the State shall design systems and procedures that will enable persons with disabilities and senior citizens to register and vote by themselves."
- Comelec Resolution 9763, dated 30 August 2013. This contains the implementing rules and regulations around RA 10336.
- Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular No. 2010-103, dated 23 September 2010. This contains the implementing rules and regulations around RA 10070.
- Department of Tourism Memorandum Circular No. 2011-04, dated 11 February 2011. This clarifies conditions around twenty percent (20%) discount entitlements to persons with disabilities.
- Department of Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular 2009-129, dated 09 September 2009. This clarifies the procedure on the issuance of IDs and booklets for PWDs.
- Joint Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Agriculture Administrative Order 02, dated 27 July 2009. This clarifies rules and regulations on the grant of special discounts to persons with disability on the purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities.
- Republic Act 9442, dated 24 July 2006. This law contains expanded provisions of RA 7277.
- Implementing Rules and Regulations for RA 9442, dated 24 July 2006.
- Implementing Rules and Regulations for RA 7277, dated 24 March 1992.
Presidential Proclamations
UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Presidential Proclamation No. 1157, dated 16 October 2006. The proclamation ordered the assignment of the December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the Philippines, in keeping with United Nations declaration. There is a need to synergize efforts and resources by both public and private sectors for the promotion and improvement of well-being of persons with disabilities to enable them to be part of our nation’s development and progress.
National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. Presidential Proclamation No. 361, dated 29 August 2000. The proclamation ordered the assignment of the third week of July as the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, culminating on the birthdate of the sublime paralytic, Apolinario Mabini on July 23.
National Autism Consciousness Week. Presidential Proclamation No. 711, dated January 1996. The proclamation ordered the assignment of the third week of January as the National Autism Consciousness Week, enjoining the Department of Health, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Interior and Local Government to serve as the national focal point for the commemoration of this event.
National Commission on Disability Affairs. Presidential Decree No. 1509, dated 11 June 1978. "The national government recognizes responsibility to provide the handicapped with the fullest measure of protection and assistance to help develop their abilities in all fields of endeavor and to promote their integration into the mainstream of society, as well as its primary duty for the prevention of physical and mental disabilities.
- Executive Order 33, dated 05 April 2011. The order transfers NCDA from the Office of the President to DSWD.
- Executive Order 709, dated 26 February 2008. The order redefines the functions and organization of NCDA.
- Executive Order 676, dated 25 October 2007. The order transfers NCDA from DSWD to the Office of the President.
- Executive Order 232, dated 22 July 1987. The order redefines the functions and organization of NCDA.
Community Based Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities. Executive Order No. 437, dated 21 June 2005. The proclamation enjoins local government units to adopt the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program in delivering services to their constituents with disabilities and to allocate funds to support the program.
- Department of Interior and Local Government 2009-37, dated 20 March 2009.
Other Policies
DepEd Child Protection Policy. Dated 14 May 2012. The document outlines the Philippine Department of Education’s Policies and Guidelines on protecting children in school from violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, neglect, abuse, cruelty and other conditions prejudicial to their development.
