Magna Carta for Persons with Disability

Section 29

Disabled persons shall be allowed to be assisted by a person of his choice in voting in the national or local elections. The person thus chosen shall prepare the ballot for the disabled voter inside the voting booth. The person assisting shall bind himself in a formal document under oath to fill out the ballot strictly in accordance with the instructions of the voter and not to reveal the contents of the ballot prepared by him. Violation of this provision shall constitute an election offense. Polling places should be made accessible to persons with disability during national or local elections.

Section 30

Consistent with the provisions of the Constitution, the State shall recognize the right of persons with disability to participate in processions, rallies, parades, demonstrations, public meetings, and assemblages or other forms of mass or concerned action held in public.

Section 31

The State recognizes the right of persons with disability to form organizations or associations that promote their welfare and advance or safeguard their interests. The national government, through its agencies, instrumentalities and subdivisions, shall assist persons with disability in establishing self-help organizations by providing them with the necessary technical and financial assistance. Concerned government agencies and offices shall establish close linkages with organizations of the persons with disability in order to respond expeditiously to the needs of persons with disability. National line agencies and local government units shall assist persons with disability in setting up specific projects that will be managed like business propositions. To ensure the active participation of persons with disability in the social and economic development of the country, their organizations shall be encouraged to participate in the planning, organization and management of government programs and projects for persons with disability. Organizations of persons with disability shall participate in the identification and preparation of programs that shall serve to develop employment opportunities for the persons with disability.