Pampanga First District, Pampanga Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has filed House Bill No. 7290 seeking to expand privileges and strengthen support for Persons with Disability (PWDs) through proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability.
Filed on January 26, 2026, HB 7290 aims to provide free assistive technology services for PWDs, including wheelchairs, walkers, prostheses, hearing aids, visual aids, and specialized computer software, hardware, and peripherals that enhance mobility, hearing, vision, and communication.
“To quote former president Ramon Magsaysay, ‘those who have less in life should have more in law,’” Lazatin said. “As a legislator, it is paramount to prioritize measures that benefit vulnerable sectors.”
The proposed measure also seeks to exempt PWDs from paying travel taxes, terminal fees, and other government-imposed charges in airports, seaports, and other transport terminals.
Under HB 7290, at least three percent of positions in all government agencies, offices, and government-owned or -controlled corporations would be reserved for qualified PWDs. Private companies with at least 100 employees would be required to allocate at least two percent of their positions to qualified PWD applicants.
To encourage private sector participation, the bill provides additional tax incentives for companies employing PWDs. Firms hiring PWDs equivalent to at least two percent of their workforce may claim an additional 25 percent deduction from gross income based on salaries and wages paid to PWD employees. Companies employing PWDs equivalent to at least 70 percent of their workforce may claim a 50 percent deduction.
“With proper facilities and assistive devices, PWDs will be able to live with the dignity they deserve,” Lazatin said, adding that increased employment opportunities will help PWDs actively participate in nation-building and achieve greater independence.
Lazatin has consistently pushed for programs benefiting the differently-abled sector. During his term as Angeles City mayor, the city government regularly distributed five kilos of rice and ₱1,000 cash assistance to registered PWDs.
Recently, Lazatin, in partnership with the Red Pillars Foundation, personally delivered food packs worth ₱500 and ₱1,000 cash assistance to 235 PWDs in Barangays Agapito Del Rosario and San Nicolas in Angeles City during the holiday season.
𝐹𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝐿𝑎𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑠ℎ 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑃𝑊𝐷𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 29, 2025.
