I WOULD like to start by commending the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) for launching a public consultation process this week to review and amend the implementing rules and regulations of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 (BP 344, commonly known as the 'Accessibility Law'). Soliciting feedback from stakeholders is the first step toward achieving the law's purpose and intent, which unfortunately remains unfulfilled.

The law, enacted in 1982, has a very clear and noble objective: 'To promote the realization of the rights of disabled persons to participate fully in the social life and the development of the societies in which they live and the enjoyment of the opportunities available to other citizens.'