Implementation issues of Republic Act 10754 (An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability) in the Philippines: a qualitative study

Purpose In the Philippines, Republic Act 10754 (RA 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability) was enacted to give persons with disabilities more economic opportunities through the provision of discounts and privileges. However, it is unclear what issues have been encountered in implementing this policy. This study aims to identify implementation issues of RA 10754 in the country. Design/methodology/approach From August to November 2023, we conducted 22 interviews with persons with disabilities, social workers in select local government units in the Philippines responsible for the issuance of the persons with disabilities ID (PWD ID), representatives of business establishments where disability benefits can be accessed, and healthcare workers responsible for the initial assessment of the person with disability. The proceedings from these interviews were transcribed, and these transcripts were analyzed thematically. Findings Implementation issues identified include a lack of awareness among persons with disabilities, healthcare workers and business establishments, difficulty in securing medical certificate, fixers and bureaucratic intermediaries, issues related to benefits and claims, including problems with accessing disability benefits, differences in honoring PWD IDs, abuse of disability benefits and discrimination. Stakeholders suggested improving awareness, clearer classification, extent of disabilities and duration of benefits covered by the PWD ID and deterrents for abuse. Originality/value This paper describes one of the first studies conducted to describe the implementation issues of a disability policy in a lower middle-income country from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. The results of this study will hopefully guide policymakers globally to improve the implementation of disability policies to make it more equitable to all stakeholders involved.