By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA — Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid was seeking the protection of persons with disabilities (PWDs) assisted by service animals.
He filed Senate Bill 2387, which directs all offices and establishments in the country to allow PWDs with service animals in their facilities.
“There are no existing laws recognizing and providing for the rights of PWDs accompanied by service animals,” said Lapid. “Without such law, the said PWDs do not have full access to employment, transportation, and public accommodation and services.”
Last month, 63-year-old Mark Cohen, a PWD with an assistance dog, was denied entry to a mall because he was taking the animal with him.
The mall management said they do not allow pets inside their establishment “for the safety of all customers.” It added that Cohen was “not blind.”
Cohen wanted to get inside the mall to use the Internet, media reports said.
He said his bill, also known as “Service Animals Act of 2014,” seeks to stop any prejudices against those with special needs.
The bill also prohibits any person or establishment to ask PWDs to remove the service animal from any facility.
It shall also be unlawful to deny any such PWD occupancy of any dwelling unit, according to Lapid’s measure./PN
