Hinimok ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) ang transportation authorities na tiyakin ang pagkakaloob ng “accessible na transportasyon” sa publiko, kabilang ang mga taong may pisikal na kapansanan.

Tinukoy nito ang kaso ng isang person with disability (PWD) na nahirapang umakyat sa hagdanan ng istasyon ng tren ng Light Rail Transit (LRT) sa Maynila kamakailan. Naging viral sa social media ang kaniyang larawan.

Sa pamamagitan ni Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, nanawagan ang CHFR sa administrasyon ng LRT at Metro Rail Transit (MRT) na tiyaking gumagana nang maayos ang mga istasyon ng tren at pasilidad nito at napagsisilbihan kahit ang mga taong may espesyal na pangangailan.

“Accessible transportation with functioning facilities that cater to the unique needs of PWDs are crucial in ensuring equal opportunity and access to basic services for this vulnerable sector. The CHR is deeply concerned that a PWD was seen climbing a high stairway in the LRT Recto Station, as captured in a now-viral social media post,’ ani De Guia.

Metro

Isko Moreno Domagoso, nanumpa na bilang bagong-halal na alkalde ng Maynila

“We urge the administration of the LRT and MRT to ensure that all facilities, which cater to the specific needs of PWDs are properly working,” dagdag niya.

“The government should also do the same for all buildings and facilities—public and private—wherein compliance to Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 or the Accessibility Law and other pertinent laws is ensured.”

Kasabay nito, pinaalalahanan ni De Guia ang gobyerno sa pangako nitong itaguyod ang karapatan ng mga PWD.

“We remind the State of its commitment to uphold the rights of PWDs, as embodied in the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, including providing support and creating an environment that will ensure their rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance so they may live freely and as independent as possible,” ani De Guia.

Aniya pa, “The maintenance of such facilities should always be a priority to genuinely serve the ends of inclusivity and accessibility of vulnerable sectors, which also include senior citizens and pregnant women. CHR hopes that proactive efforts will be done by to give due attention to our countrymen and women who are often overlooked and disadvantaged, especially during this period of crisis.”

Samantala, tiniyak na ni Transportation Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs Goddes Hope Libiran na ang train sector ay “ginagawa ang lahat para matugunan ang sitwasyon” at nakatutok sa pagkakaroon ng mga istasyon ng tren na mas “PWD-Friendly."

Jel Santos