Post on 12-Jan-2023
University of the Philippines Manila
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Social Sciences
Policy, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Assessing the Electoral Participation of Persons with
Disabilities (PWDs) in Cavite
An undergraduate thesis
Submitted to
Dr. Josefina G. Tayag
In partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Academic Year 2018-2019
GANDIA, Alexa Richmay S.
2015-09457
BA Political Science
ii
University of the Philippines Manila
College of Arts and Sciences
Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila
APPROVAL SHEET
This undergraduate thesis entitled Policy, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Assessing the Electoral
Participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Cavite prepared and submitted by Alexa
Richmay S. Gandia is hereby accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
____________________________________
Dr. Josefina G. Tayag, DPA, ret.
Adviser
This undergraduate thesis is hereby accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the course
requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
____________________________________
Prof. Jerome A. Ong
Chairperson
Department of Social Sciences
iii
Abstract
Despite being the largest minority in the world, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) still
struggle with problems of social exclusion and lack of accessibility, which, according to the
literature, negatively affect their electoral participation. The objective of the study was to
evaluate the effectiveness of the policy initiatives of the Philippine government that aimed to
remedy this, specifically the implementation of Republic Act No. 10366. This law was first
implemented in 2016, authorizing the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to establish
precincts assigned to Accessible Polling Places (APPs) exclusively for PWDs and senior
citizens. APPs are venues where Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) conduct election-related
proceedings and where voters cast their votes. The law states that APPs shall be located at the
ground floor, preferably near the entrance of the building, and is free of any physical barriers and
provided with necessary services, including assistive devices.
The study made use of the Social Model of Disability as its theoretical framework which
suggests that disability is socially caused. Because of society‘s stigmatization of PWDs, physical
and social barriers are created and thus serve as obstacles to PWDs‘ full participation in society.
The effectiveness of the said law and whether it affected the electoral participation of
PWDs were evaluated through one-on-one interviews with PWDs, BEIs, and key informants.
The setting of the study is the province of Cavite.
The key informants affirmed the social exclusion of persons with disabilities and that
there is much more to be done for the inclusivity of PWDs. Surprisingly, however, results show
that despite some provisions of RA 10366 not being fulfilled in the precincts where PWDs vote,
PWDs as well as BEIs consider the law to be effectively implemented. They noted positive
experiences during elections and only on rare occasions did select PWDs experience
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discrimination within the voting precincts. This discrimination was not blatant but more of them
feeling ignored or unattended to. They also have little to no suggestions in further improving
their experience during the elections.
In the case of Cavite, PWDs exercise their right to vote and are empowered when doing
so. They are not hindered by physical barriers and are only slightly affected by social barriers
during the elections. Most claim that they are actually treated well during the elections.
However, outside of this one-day event, they do not feel included in mainstream society.
v
Acknowledgements
I write this acknowledgment in the hope that I've accomplished this last hurdle in my
college life. The making of this thesis was not without hurdles but the weight of it was made
easier because of the people around me who gave their utmost support.
First and foremost, I thank myself. I realize now that I am strong enough to be able to
finish this thesis. Throughout this whole process, I've cried myself to sleep, doubted by
capabilities, procrastinated—now, I only feel a sense of fulfillment.
I could not have done this without the people who have graciously shared their
sentiments, life stories, and advocacies. I cannot thank my respondents enough. Their words
have touched my heart and their influence is lasting. The trust that they have given me is enough
for me to see this into fruition. I hope that I make them proud.
I give my utmost thanks to Ate Sol, a respondent in this study who had passed away
before I was able to give the news that I've finished my thesis. Maraming salamat po, Ate Sol.
Thank you for welcoming me into your home and sharing your experiences with me.
To Mrs. Mary Ann Evangelista-Gorrez, my key informant who I had interviewed, and in
turn, interviewed me and my sister on her radio program—thank you from the bottom of my
heart. It is a rare opportunity for a simple student like me to be invited to such. You have become
an inspiration to me—to pursue my advocacy in fighting for the rights of persons with
disabilities. I wholly admire everything you have achieved despite the complications brought
about by being a PWD in this society. I hope to be able to help this community in the same way
you have helped them.
To Atty. Jason Mendoza, thank you for taking the time to entertain my questions. I hope
that like you, I will be as knowledgeable in the electoral process and utilize this knowledge for
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the benefit of the Filipino people in the future. I also give my thanks to the undisclosed resource
person who helped Atty Mendoza in answering my questions. I apologize that I kept you from
eating your lunch for a bit. (Hehe)
I dedicate this section to all of the friends who have helped me along in this journey.
Amiel, Butch, Cyril, Jaira, Joy, Mikee, and all the friends I met in college--I feel like I've known
you for a lifetime. You have pulled me from the depths of my inner thoughts more times than I
can remember. You were my motivation when everything else had been used up. Your laughter
and teasing had replenished me every time I was too drained to talk. Your hugs had comforted
me when I just couldn't anymore. Though I don't share much of my thoughts as I'd rather be
happy spending my time with you, know that you are the loves of my life and I could never have
done this without you.
Francois, my best friend in the whole world—I'm thankful that despite all the problems
you've gone through during the time I'd written this thesis, you still managed to give me the time
of day. Know that I always have your back. Thank you for having mine.
Sammy—You've been such a help, not just in this thesis but also throughout the decade
I've spent knowing you and caring about you. You're the greatest friend I could ever have hoped
for. Since this thesis of mine's finished, I'm more than ready to help with yours. I can't wait to
celebrate your graduation with you.
To all the matches and flames, however short they may have been, thank you for the
motivation and distraction. You made me understand that my life should not revolve around
purely acads and that I need to take care of myself and my mental health.
vii
To all my professors, especially Ma‘am Tayag, thank you for guiding me throughout my
college life. I would not have been able to finish this study without you being my role models. I
hope that more students will be able to gain insight and be inspired by you.
Lastly, but in no way the least, to my dearest family—I'm sorry that college can be so
expensive. One day I'll repay you for everything that you've done for me. This is for you, Mom,
Dad, Ate and Kuya, Nanay and Tatay. Sasablay na po ako!
viii
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 1
RESEARCH QUESTION 1
TENTATIVE ANSWER TO THE RESEARCH 1
OBJECTIVES 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 3
FRAMEWORKS 10
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 12
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 13
DEFINITION OF TERMS 15
METHODOLOGY 17
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS 22
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 23
BIBLIOGRAPHY 25
CHAPTER 2: SITUATIONER 27
CHAPTER 3 30
SIMPLIFIED BREAKDOWN OF THE DATA 30
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 30
BOARD OF ELECTIONS OFFICERS 55
MRS. MARY ANN EVANGELISTA-GORREZ 62
ATTY. JASON MENDOZA 67
ANALYSIS OF THE DATA 72
CONCLUSION 75
RECOMMENDATIONS 77
BIBLIOGRAPHY 78
APPENDICES 82
1
CHAPTER 1: Introduction
The 2016 elections, both at the national and local level, had a record-breaking voter
turnout of 300,000 senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)—numbers interpreted as
a success. This was achieved through the implementation of Republic Act 10366, the
government‘s initiative for establishing Accessible Polling Places (APPs) for the benefit of
persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and heavily pregnant women. Through this law, 5,000
APPs and 250 Emergency Accessible Polling Places (EAPPs) were set up by COMELEC across
the country. Board of Election Inspectors were also given information on disability sensitivity in
their training in order to respond to the needs of PWD voters.
Such milestones are important in the PWD community, however, this is only a step
towards inclusivity. After all, RA 10366 was signed in 2013, with the various negative
testimonies of PWD voters who experienced difficulty during the 2013 elections serving as the
driving force as to why it was enacted in the first place.
The 2013 elections was unsuccessful in fulfilling the expectations of PWDs. It was
marked with an increase in PWD participation due to the National PWD Voter Registration Day,
first held in 2012. In order to make the elections more inclusive, COMELEC passed Resolution
No. 9485, which states the rules and regulations for voting of PWDs and for the establishment of
accessible polling places. Unfortunately, due to major setbacks like having only two polling
precincts with accessible polling places out of the 36,776 voting precincts in the country, the lack
of training of BEIs regarding disability, among others, only 82,000 out of the 365,000 registered
PWD voters were able to cast their votes.
It is no wonder that the 2016 elections were seen as such a massive success, since it‘s
held in comparison to the unfortunate display of the 2013 elections. There are still criticisms
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regarding the 2016 elections, for example the lack of time to prepare the implementation of
EAPPs, lack of sufficient information regarding the process, and the uneven application of APPs
nationwide. There are even cases where PWDs had to vote in upper floors—some people having
to be carried up the stairs. Simply having a high voter turnout or an increase in the number of
APPs does not necessarily mean that the 2016 elections or future elections in the Philippines can
be confidently called PWD-inclusive.
Multiple laws have been enacted promoting inclusivity in order to realize the vision of
full participation of PWDs with the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (1992) as its benchmark
initiative, following the Philippines‘ ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and its Optional Protocol. Unfortunately, there are still problems that PWDs face in
terms of accessibility which affects their electoral participation.
Thus prompts the question, is the implementation of the law addressing these concerns
during the 2016 elections enough for promoting their electoral participation or is there still room
left to improve on it?
Research Question
How did the effectiveness of policy implementation of RA 10366 affect the electoral
participation of PWDs in the 2016 and barangay elections and what other rooms for
improvements could there be, with what effects and implications?
Tentative Answer
The ineffective implementation of PWD policies observed through the PWDs‘
experiences during the 2016 elections serves as an obstacle experienced by PWDs, which
3
discourages them to exercise their right to vote. An improvement that would direct to an
effective implementation of the law is the elimination of the barriers PWDs experience during
elections.
Objectives
General Objective
The paper aims to assess the association between the implementation of policies geared
toward PWDs, specifically RA 10366, and PWDs‘ electoral participation in the 2016
elections and the barangay elections.
Specific Objectives
To discuss what PWDs are, including their number, their state, and the public‘s opinion
on PWDs;
To discuss select policies in regard participation in elections addressing the state of
PWDs and the public‘s opinion of them and whether or not these are effectively
implemented or not;
To assess how PWDs‘ electoral participation has been affected by policy implementation
based on the experiences and insights of PWD voters, BEIs, and key informants;
And to suggest improvements or give recommendations (if needed) to increase the
effectivity of policy implementation.
4
Review of Related Literature
Upon reading the literature on the topic, scholars differ in understanding disability. There
are those who consider it in a medical sense and some in social terms. The literature reviewed all
agree that persons with disabilities experience social exclusion, resulting in their decreased
electoral participation. Other factors bar PWDs in participating in society and despite the
importance of policies as a way to integrate into society, it is still lacking in addressing the
barriers that PWDs face.
Considering Disability
The literature reviewed differ in understanding disability. The commonly used model in
considering disability is the medical model of disability. This focuses on the impairment as,
according to Seligman (2017), a ―negative condition requiring treatment, rehabilitation, or cure‖
(p. 5). In other words, the medical model of disability suggests that impairment is the reason as
to why persons with disabilities have little access to goods and services or are unable to fully
participate in society. (PHSO, 2015).
Aside from considering disability in medical terms, another model used by the literature
is the social model of disability. This model shifts toward demand for rights, stemming from the
growing disabilities right movement as well as parents or other advocates (Seligman, 2017)
where ―…disability is understood as an unequal relationship within a society in which the needs
of people with impairments are often given little or no consideration‖ (Carson, 2009, p. 10). The
social model of disability will be discussed further in detail as it will serve as the theoretical
framework of this study.
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There is a clear distinction between the two models, with the former seeing disability as
something to treat or cure, while in the latter, disability is brought about by social causes.
However, there have been other theories which try to reconcile the two, one of which is the
Critical Disability Theory (CDT). It is also called the ―biopsychosocial model‖ by the World
Health Organization (WHO) as it integrates the medical as well as the psychological, behavioral,
and social factors in dealing with disability which they used as a framework for their study
―Towards a Common Language for Functioning, Disability and Health‖ (WHO, 2002).
To differentiate from the two models discussed, CDT considers disability as (1) a social
construct; (2) a complex interrelationship between impairment, individuals‘ response to it, and
the social environment wherein the individual is situated; and (3) the social disadvantage that
disabled people experience caused by society‘s inability to provide access to the needs of PWDs
(Hosking, 2008). Since it is a synthesis of both models, CDT acknowledges that impairments do
play a part in disability. The biomedical aspect of disability can be addressed through prevention,
treatment, and rehabilitation while the social marginalization experienced by PWDs despite
biomedical interventions can be addressed by changing the social environment (Hosking, 2008).
Disability and Social Exclusion
Among the common themes of literature on disability is the evident social exclusion of
persons with disabilities. Results of Burchardt (2003)‘s study on social exclusion finds that the
relationship of disability and social inclusion is two-way—that ―someone who is socially
excluded is at greater risk of becoming disabled, and someone who becomes disabled is at
greater risk of becoming socially excluded‖ (p. 62). She derived this from evaluating social
inclusion and disability‘s relationship with income and poverty. Sayce (2002) argues that people
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diagnosed as mentally ill could be active participants of society if not for the ―deep-seated
prejudice‖ and ―social exclusion‖ that they experience. The social exclusion that persons with
disabilities experience serves as a barrier to their full participation. Barnes and Mercer (2005)
argue that work and disability analyses are unable to address the different social and
environmental barriers that people with disability struggle with. In his paper on people with
learning disabilities (PWLD), Hall (2005) states that in order to achieve social inclusion, it is to
be reimagined as a ―transformation of mainstream social spaces‖ to accommodate them into
society by means of self-advocacy.
Disability and Electoral Participation
Another common theme from the literature reviewed is the correlation between disability
and electoral participation. Findings from Schur, Shields, Kruse, and Schriner‘s study in 2002
note that disability often decreases voter turnout, stating that disability affects not only the
resources but also has social and psychological effects on people with disabilities. They suffer a
disconnect and find difficulty in identifying with mainstream society—thus, leading to less
electoral participation.
In Fitzgerald (2005)‘s ―Greater Convenience But Not Greater Turnout‖, although voting
reforms and alternative methods of voting have been instituted in the states such as ―unrestricted
absentee voting, in-person early voting, election-day registration, and motor vehicle and mail
registration‖ (p. 1) to make voting more convenient and to reduce the "costs of participation‖ to
increase voter turnout, his findings show that those assumptions did not translate to reality.
These voting options were to increase ballot access to overseas military personnel and
PWDs as well as to increase overall efficiency and facilitation of voting and elections, but
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considering the results of the study, early voting procedures are unable ―…to boost turnout in
elections despite providing greater accessibility to the ballot‖ (Fitzgerald, 2005, p. 858).
This is in contrast to Schur and Kruse (2000)‘s study which emphasizes the relationship
of general mobility, as well as employment, to an increase in voter turnout. Their findings were
that people with spinal cord injury (SCI) had a lower voter turnout than otherwise similar people
in the general population. Those people with SCI who are employed were just as likely to vote as
other employed people while two-thirds of people with SCI who were unemployed were less
likely to vote. People with SCI who are able to drive and attend religious services and are not
affected by the severity of their injury have a higher voter turnout than those whose mobility is
hindered.
In Keeyley, et al. (2005)‘s study, findings show that adults with intellectual disabilities
are registered to vote proportionally less compared to the general population and are even less of
them voted during the 2005 UK general elections. Further, in comparison to adults who live in
private homes, those who live in supported accommodation ―were more likely to be registered to
vote but less likely to use their vote‖ (p. 1). They also found that the most significant predictor of
participation was living in a household with at least one other active voter‖ (Keeyley, et al.,
2005, p. 1).
Barriers to Participation
Some common barriers to PWDs across the world are the following, as enumerated by
the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights: Outdated paternalistic approaches and
prevailing social stereotypes; lack of access (physical, linguistic and infrastructural, as well as to
information); legal and administrative barriers (including restrictions on legal capacity);
8
institutional segregation (in schools, workplaces and public institutions); lack of quality inclusive
education; limited support and funding for participation; poverty; and lack of comparable data,
disaggregated by disability, and lack of monitoring mechanisms at the national level (ODIHR,
2017). This spans legal, social, economic, physical, and other forms of barriers that serve as an
obstacle to exercising democratic rights.
However, among the most detrimental barriers to PWDs achieving the aforementioned
right to achieve inclusivity in society is society itself. Another major barrier to PWDs is
accessibility. ODIHR (2017) defined ―accessibility‖ and ―accessible environment,‖ stating that it
is a pre-condition for the participation of PWDs in both the political and public sphere.
Disability and Policy
Lastly, a common theme in the literature is on policy. In his discussion of the CDT,
Hosking (2008) considers the importance of public policy as it is a mechanism for PWDs to
integrate to society. Through laws, disabled people are able to demand rights to achieve
inclusivity (Yaptangco, 2016). True to the framework of CDT, public policy expected to address
both the biomedical and social aspects of disability.
However, policies are not perfect. It could have unclear objectives due to its ―incremental
nature‖ or contradictions may arise when implementing them (Lunt & Thornton, 1994).
Problems may also be encountered when constructing these policies. The debates on whether to
have a single or a number of disability policies, the different types of impairments or the range of
disability, the different perceptions of persons with disabilities, or the implications of gender,
race, and class—all of these mentioned intricacies by Lunt & Thornton (1994), who also cited
other authors, must be taken into account when drafting the content of policies. The study did not
9
address how but was able to suggest six themes or dimensions of a coherent disability
employment policy:
It offers employment and opportunities;
It offers integration [non-stigmatization] within mainstream employment;
It is built on a sound philosophical and theoretical basis of what constitutes disability and
is built on rights rather than charity in a non-stigmatizing way;
It is not contradictory either internally or in relation to other policies
It requires disabled people themselves to participate in the development of policy; and
It pays attention to costs and considers the opportunity cost of pursuing certain types of
policy. (Lunt & Thornton, 1994, p. 236)
The study, however, gives only a theoretical and not a concrete example of a coherent disability
employment policy.
Similarly but in a different manner, Mont (2004), in his study titled ―Disability
Employment Policy‖, recommends that disability employment policy should move away from a
compensation approach to an integration approach. This is in order to ―…increase the self-
reliance of disabled people, promote economic growth, and lessen the role of transfer programs‖
(p. 31). This is the trend among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development or
OECD countries and is recommended that middle countries with less integrative systems do the
same. The study‘s recommendations are to:
Review disability pensions and other cash benefit systems to identify measures that create
particularly strong work disincentives (as formerly in Poland);
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Promote more integrative disability employment policies such as vocational
rehabilitation, supported work, and reimbursement mechanisms for employer
accommodations to the workplace;
Demonstrate the business the case for integrated disability management systems and help
foster their adoption by public and private sector enterprises; and
Assist disabled persons organizations (DPO) in advocating for worksite accommodations.
(Mont, 2004, p. 31)
The right to suffrage of Filipinos is enshrined within the Constitution yet people with
disabilities are not able to fully participate within the public and the private sphere. This
discrimination is the target of various laws in the Philippines relating to disability. There are at
least 60 of these laws in the country (Yaptangco, 2016), some of which are the following:
Republic Act No. 7277 or Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (1992), an act providing for
the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of disabled persons and their
integration into the mainstream of society and for other purposes;
Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 Accessibility Law, an act to enhance the mobility of disabled
persons by requiring certain building, institution, establishments, and other public utilities
to install facilities and other devices;
COMELEC Resolution No. 9485, a resolution that states the rules and regulations for
voting of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and for the establishment of accessible polling
places;
And finally, the focus of this study, Republic Act No. 10366, an act authorizing the Commission
on Elections to establish precincts assigned to accessible polling places exclusively for persons
with disabilities and senior citizens. It states that accessible polling places (APPs) ―shall be
11
located at the ground floor, preferably near the entrance of the building, and is free of any
physical barriers and provided with necessary services, including assistive devices‖ (COMELEC,
2013).
Synthesis of the Literature
Instead of the popular biophysical approach, scholars claim the need for reconfiguring
how we consider disability and how to conduct disability studies. A shift towards a social
perspective in understanding PWDs and evaluating policies geared towards them is vital in order
to address the problems that they experience. Although some literature suggest that even the
social model of disability is contested as having no policy implications (Samaha, 2007) or that it
is time to move beyond its limitations (Shakespeare & Watson, 2001), it is still imperative that
social factors must be considered in disability studies.
People with disabilities are often socially excluded from the mainstream of society. There
are many barriers to the participation of PWDs that existing policies are still unable to address
due to differences in considering disability and in taking into account various intricacies. Parts of
what makes a coherent policy is already known but there is still a failure in application. Persons
with disabilities are unable to participate in both the public and private sphere, an example being
electoral participation. Voter turnout among PWDs is low, thus leading to them being unable to
exercise their rights as well as having no elected officials who are able to represent them and
understand their plights.
Disability cannot be removed from democracy and universal suffrage Cruz (2015). It is
important that this be remedied to give PWDs equal access to rights and representation. The
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literature reviewed are united in that there must be a change in how policies are considered and
existing policies must be reevaluated in order to best promote the inclusivity of PWDs.
This study‘s aim was to fill the gap of the lack of literature on PWDs in the Philippines
and serve as an academic outlet wherein PWDs can have a voice. This study also filled in the
lack of policy evaluation regarding RA 10366 by asking those directly involved.
Frameworks
Theoretical Framework
Social Model of Disability as proposed by Oliver (1983)
The research made use of the Social Model of Disability, first coined by Michael Oliver
in 1983, as its theoretical framework. The Social Model of Disability emerged in response to the
popular medical model of disability which considers disability as a negative condition that
requires treatment, rehabilitation, or cure. The framework that the researcher used opposes the
said medical perspective on disability, instead focusing on the social aspects of disability. The
Social Model of Disability suggests that disability is socially caused. Although impairments do
involve health-related conditions, it is because of the society‘s stigmatization of PWDs that
physical and social barriers are created (Seligman, 2017). These barriers are obstacles to PWDs‘
full participation in society.
For the proponents of the model who are persons with disabilities themselves, it is
because of society‘s failure to provide the necessary needs and services of PWDs. Oliver (1990)
states that the consequences of this failure does not affect PWDs random individuals but PWDs
as a group are systematically discriminated throughout society.
This theoretical framework was thus used in the study in order to assess the electoral
participation of PWDs. Since there had been initiatives toward inclusivity for PWDs, including
13
the elimination of the physical and social barriers they experience in elections through RA
10366, it was imperative that we determine whether or not its implementation is effective.
Through the Social Model of Disability, we intended to find
out how PWDs are integrated in the Philippines, what
environment they are in, and the social disadvantages they
experience.
Conceptual Framework
Existing:
Contributory factors Physical Barriers
Inaccessible polling places
PWDs voting on upper floors
Express lanes not fully utilized by PWDs
No waiting areas for PWDs
Social Barriers
Lack of assistance from BEIs
Lack of experts and assistive devices to aid PWDs e.g. headphones, wheelchairs
Discrimination against PWDs
Effect
RA 10366 was not effectively
implemented and PWDs
experienced barriers during
the 2016 elections, thus led
to a lack of full accessibility
Outcome
PWDs are unable to
exercise their right to vote—to
express themselves—
and are discouraged to vote in future
elections
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Desired effect:
Desired effect
Effective policy implementation
of RA 10366 which leads to
less physical and social barriers
experienced by PWDs
Desired outcome
Increased electoral
participation of PWDs indicating their inclusivity and ability to fight for their
rights
Contributory factors Physical Barriers
Accessible polling places
PWDs voting on the ground floor
Express lanes fully utilized by PWDs
Existence of waiting areas for PWDs
Social Barriers
Sufficient assistance from BEIs
Experts and assistive devices to aid PWDs e.g. headphones, wheelchairs are available
Less rampant discrimination against PWDs
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The Social Model of Disability served as the theoretical framework for the evaluation
of RA 10366 and its contribution to improving the electoral participation of PWDs. The
conceptual framework as illustrated above is the existing problem, as well as the desired effect
once the problematic contributory factors are remedied. By basing off of the data shown on the
first illustration which displays a summary of the existing state, it can be seen that there were
multiple factors that reflect the ineffective implementation of RA 10366, and thus hindered
PWDs‘ voting.
Assistive equipment as well as express lanes or ramps can be crucial to allow the PWDs
to move about freely and interact properly with their surroundings and other individuals. Lack of
access to these resources lead to physical and social barriers which serves as an obstacle to the
full participation of PWDs in the electoral process. This leads to situations where they garnered
unwanted attention in public due to their visible discomfort, and the misuse of special lanes may
lead to the PWDs becoming a hindrance to the queuing of the other voters. Not having access to
these services may discourage them from seeking them or exercising their rights. These
difficulties adversely reflect upon the statements found in RA 10366 which is focused on
providing PWDs at large with the ability to enjoy their rights just as well as anyone who does not
share their condition.
Basing it on the occurrence of these factors alone was a reflection of ineffective policy
implementation of the said law. This may also hint at the lawmakers and government officials
becoming oblivious to the plight of collective discrimination that PWDs are subjected to. If these
factors are to be solved, the true capacity of the law will have been realized and this would allow
it to be rendered effective. The desired outcome, assuming this comes to pass, would be that
PWDs are able to participate properly during the elections. As they will have been provided
16
access to the materials and resources they need to properly navigate or interact with others which
thus allows them to properly exercise their right to vote. The elimination of these barriers are
crucial to helping the PWDs be able to participate in society, thus decreasing the social
exclusion they experience.
Definition of Terms
Disability – as stated in RA 7277 Sec. 4(c), it is (1) a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more psychological, physiological or anatomical function of an
individual or activities of such individual; (2) a record of such an impairment; or (3) being
regarded as having such an impairment.
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) – based on RA 10366 Sec. 2(b), they are qualified voters
who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction
with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in the electoral processes
on an equal basis with others.
Impairment – any loss, diminution or aberration of psychological, physiological, or anatomical
structure of function. (RA 7277 Sec. 4(b))
Assistance – according to RA 10366 Sec. 2(e), this refers to any support or aid that may be
extended to persons with disabilities and senior citizens for them to meaningfully and effectively
participate in the electoral processes.
Accessible polling place – refers to the venue where the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs)
conducts election-related proceedings and where the voters cast their votes. The accessible
polling place shall he located at the ground floor, preferably near the entrance of the building,
17
and is free of any physical barriers and provided with necessary services, including assistive
devices. RA 10366 Sec. 2(j)
Social Barrier – the characteristics of institutions, whether legal, economic, cultural,
recreational or other, any human group, community, or society which limit the fullest possible
participation of disabled persons in the life of the group. Social barriers include negative
attitudes which tends to single out and exclude disabled persons and which distort roles and
interpersonal relationship (RA 7277 Sec. 4 (f))
Methodology
Data Matrix
Data needed Source of data or
where to find it
Analysis of
data
Ethical aspects
Discussion on what PWDs are,
including the number of, the
state of, and the public‘s
opinion on PWDs in the
Philippines and other countries
Secondary
materials and
accounts (scholars,
statistics, laws)
Content
analysis,
coding for main
themes and
subthemes
Proper
acknowledgement of all
sources, bias-mitigation
Discussion on select policies
addressing the state of PWDs
and the public‘s opinion of
them and whether or not they
are effectively implemented
Secondary
materials (scholars
and laws),
interviews with
PWDs, BEIs and
key informants
Coding for
situationer,
content analysis
Acknowledgement of
all sources, informed
consent, confidentiality
PWD voters‘ electoral
participation and how it is
affected by the effectivity of
Secondary
materials (scholars
and laws),
Content
analysis
Acknowledgement of
all sources, informed
consent, confidentiality
18
policy implementation interviews with
PWDs, BEIs and
key informants
Improvements or
recommendations to increase
the effectiveness of policy
implementation
interviews with
PWDs, BEIs and
key informant
Content
analysis
informed consent,
confidentiality
Explanation of Data Matrix
PWDs or Persons with Disabilities are a group of individuals who have, under any form
of circumstance, suffer from illnesses or the lack of certain bodily functions. Even with their
impairments, these individuals are still citizens who are well within their rights to participate
within society, including the right to vote. As such, a number of guidelines have been set in place
in order to ensure that PWDs can act comfortably within their rights despite their impairments,
however there have been some concerns regarding the effectiveness of the policies that have
been put in place. As such, the goal of the researcher was to define the nature of PWDs as well as
shed light on the possible aspects that affect the policy‘s efficacy.
In order to arrive at a concrete conclusion to the problem, the researcher had expounded
upon the current topic by highlighting certain key elements. The first of these key elements was
the nature of PWDs; this included their current population, the state of their community, as well
as the perceptions of the foreign and local public on them. The researcher utilized sources
derived from secondary materials and accounts in the form of scholars, statistics and laws, all of
which is found in Chapter 1 and 2 of the study.
19
The second element consisted of the different policies that had been in place in
acknowledgement of the PWD, as well as the public‘s opinion on whether or not these said
policies are properly implemented. The third element was that of the PWD voters‘ electoral
participation and how it is affected by the effectiveness of policy implementation. In gathering
data for both of these elements, the researcher gathered their data from secondary materials as
well as interviews with PWDs, BEIs and two key informants.
The third element focused on the PWD voters‘ electoral participation and how it is
affected by the effectivity of policy implementation. The information collected through
secondary materials (scholars and laws) was used as a primer for the readers in order to
understand the basic state of electoral participation and policy implementation regarding PWD
voting. Interviews with PWDs, BEIs and the key informants were used and collated into
common themes in Chapter 3 of the study in order to answer the research question.
The last element focused on the possible improvements or recommendations that can be
utilized to further the effectiveness of policy implementation and the researcher gathered this
information via interviews with PWDs in Cavite, BEIs who served in Cavite, and the key
informants.
Research Design
The nature of the study is of a Qualitative Research method used to prove the established
tentative answer. As such, the goal of the researcher was to ascertain whether or not the
ineffective implementation of PWD guidelines, as observed through (1) the experience of PWDs
who are registered voters in the province of Cavite, (2) the experience of Cavite-based BEIs
during the 2016 elections, as well as (3) the opinion of the key informants—a PWD rights
20
advocate and radio host of a disability program and a lawyer who works in COMELEC, was as a
hindrance or not to discourage a majority of PWDs to vote. The researcher obtained this data
through a series of interviews. Participants in the study were selected through purposive means.
Further elaboration and justification is found in the next sections.
Sampling
The researcher utilized the purposive sampling technique, a non-probability sampling
which entailed that the researcher purposefully select participants who fit a specific criterion for
the purpose of this study. As the research is qualitative in nature, this method aimed to develop a
detailed understanding towards the identifying problem of the research study.
The researcher approached barangay officials and asked whether they knew of any
individuals who fit the criteria for the research. From there, the researcher used the Snowball
method wherein those participants were asked if they could recommend any other individuals
who shared the criteria needed for the research. This was done until the results of the data
gathering had reached the saturation point.
In order to triangulate data, different people who fit the criteria needed were interviewed.
For PWDs who were interviewed, only those who were registered voters in Cavite with physical
or sensory impairments that restrict their physical movements were considered for the research
due to RA 10366‘s definition of accessible polling place having to do with physical
accessibility—the lack of barriers, the location being on the ground floor, preferably near the
entrance of the building, and had necessary services including assistive devices.
The PWDs who participated in the study did not necessarily need to have voted in the
2016 elections, however they must at least have experienced voting in the Philippine elections.
21
This was in order to find out the reason as to why they abstained from voting. At least ten (10)
participants were interviewed but the participants were limited to this number as additional
participants were interviewed until the saturation point is reached.
For BEIs who were interviewed, only teachers who served as Board of Elections
Inspectors in Cavite during the 2016 elections were considered for the research as per the setting
of the study and as they are the ones who would be witness to the precincts used in the province.
At least eight (8) participants were interviewed but this number of participants was not caged at
this number as additional participants were interviewed until the saturation point was reached.
Lastly, as for the key informants, two were interviewed from different sides of the
spectrum. One focused on advocacy while the other is a government employee. For the former,
the researcher interviewed Mrs. Mary Ann Evangelista-Gorrez as she is an expert in their field in
terms of PWDs— she is an advocate for PWD rights, being a PWD herself, and is a radio host
for a PWD program where she interviews different people, whether they are part of the
government, fellow advocates, architects, or source speakers who are knowledgeable about the
laws regarding PWDs. The latter is Atty. Jason Mendoza who works in the office of COMELEC
Commissioner Louie Tito Guia.
Setting of the Study
Cavite was the chosen microcosm of the study as, based on the ―Stats on the state of the
regions‖, Region IV-A is the largest region in terms of registered voters (Mangahas, de la Rosa,
& Fiestada, 2018). Cavite has the largest voting population in the region and is second to the
largest among all provinces. The region is also ranked 8th as having the largest number of
PWDs.
22
Not all LGUs have a Persons with Disability Office (PDAO) despite being mandated in
RA 10070 (Yang, 2018; The PWD Forum, 2018). This includes Cavite which has only seven
PDAOs out of the twenty-three (23) LGUs in the province (NCDA, 2013).
Another reason is that during the 2013 elections, there were only two designated
accessible polling places (APPs) out of the 36,778 voting precincts in the country, both of which
were in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
Research Instruments
The researcher utilizeD a structured interview (See Appendices E, F, and G) to gather
information from the participants of the study. There WERE three sets of interview
questionnaires that WERE provided to the PWDs, the BEIs, and the key informant
respectively. These questionnaires haD some 12 questions but not less than eight questions, and
all three questionnaires haD different questions from one another.
Data Gathering Procedure
A. The researcher sought out ten (10) PWDs and ten (8) BEIs through the use of the
purposive sampling technique. The researcher was not confined to these specific numbers
as the researcher interviewed participants until the data gathered reached its saturation
point. Two experts in the topic were also interviewed.
B. Upon agreement of the participant to become a part of the study, the researcher provided
them with an informed consent form while briefing the said participants about the nature
23
of the study, the lack of direct risks or benefits to the participant, and the lack of
incentives that would be given to the participant.
C. Before the interviews started, the researcher inquired if the participant would give their
permission to be recorded using either a voice or video recording device. The researcher
also explained where and until when the data would be stored as well as when it would be
destroyed.
D. Upon completion of the recordings the researcher began the transcription of the material.
Before starting the interview, the researcher asked for the participant‘s signed informed
consent form in order to further confirm their compliance with the ethical requirements of this
study. the researcher explained the nature of the study and that participating in the research was
completely voluntary. Should the participant feel uncomfortable or choose to withdraw from the
research for any reason, there will be no repercussions. The participant was allowed to stop
taking part in this research at any point of this research. Should the data gathering method be
done, and the participant would decide their opinions and views taken out of the data, the
participant was free to do so.
The procedures for the data gathering was of a purely interview method. interviews were
done upon the availability of the participants. Each interview was done one-on-one and will
transpire for a maximum of two (2) hours at most. The interviews took place in wherever and
whenever was more convenient for the participant. Data gathering procedures in this study were
recorded through a voice recorder with the permission of the participant.
The data collected was kept safely by the researcher. Copies of the collected data were
stored in three places: (1) a laptop, (2) a hard drive, and (3) uploaded to the researcher‘s Google
24
Drive account. The researcher assured the participants that all of the data collected from the
interviews will be used for research purposes only. The data collected would be destroyed after
the academic year of 2018-2019, on the month of June 2019.
It was also explained to the participants that there would be no direct risks nor benefits to
the participant—only that it will contribute to the literature regarding PWDs. There was no
incentive to participating in the study, however the researcher provided snacks for the
participants or pay for any travel expenses that the interview has cost. Participants were given a
simple token of appreciation, for example snacks or a thank you letter.
The researcher shared the results of the research once it was completed. The data
gathered remained confidential and the names of the PWDs and BEIs who participated in the
study remained anonymous. As for citing relevant quotes from the key informants, the
researcher first asked their permission. They were free to point out any quote or remark to be
excluded from the study. Results of this interview were written and the key informants‘ name
was included with their consent.
Although the research dealt with vulnerable people in society, the questions that the
researcher asked them were non-offensive and non-controversial and simply dealt with their
experiences from the electoral process and policy implementation of RA 10366, which were also
be explained before the interview begins.
After gathering the data needed for the study, the researcher then analyzed the collected
data using means consisting of coding and content analysis in order to interpret the findings.
Scope and Limitations
25
Although there are different categories of disabilities, whether it be physical, intellectual,
cognitive, or psychiatric, the study considered only those with physical and sensory impairments
as RA 10366‘s definition of accessible polling place has to do with physical accessibility.
Though there were many other ways for persons with disabilities to participate in both the
public and private sphere aside from voting during the elections, the study focuseD on electoral
participation as this was the means by which government officials are and lawmakers are elected.
accessibility was evaluated in terms of the polling places only—whether or not polling
places were accessible for PWDs. It was assessed within the confines of the contents of RA
10366 which provides for the rules and regulations for the voting of persons with disabilities as
well as the establishment of accessible polling places. it did not include transport going to the
polling places, nor the registration process for the elections.
Lastly, the evaluation of RA 10366 was only during that of the 2016 elections as it was
deemed successful because of the high voter turnout, as well as the barangay elections
afterwards. Other policies were evaluated due to time constraints and that the study focused
specifically on the accessibility of polling places during elections.
Significance of the Study
The aim of this study was to establish whether or not the policy implementation of RA
10366 was effective in its purpose of making elections accessible to PWDs, thus being PWD-
inclusive. Among the benefits of this study would be to add to the literature on disability studies
in the Philippines, of which they are scarce, more so in terms of electoral participation. It also
meant to assess whether the law itself is properly implemented in light of the 'success' that is the
2016 elections in terms of PWD-inclusion. The study also aimED to promote awareness for both
26
PWDs and non-PWDs of their rights and select legislation. The results of the study may inform
legislators and government officials of what is lacking in the policies or what is missing in the
implementation. By pointing out the weakness of policy implementations can help direct them on
what to remedy in order to ensure that PWDs are equally represented in lieu of main goal.
Improving the implementation of policy regarding accessibility will help PWDs gain access not
only to the ability to properly navigate the electoral process and vote effectively, but to allow
them to feel more empowered as they can be able to execute the task of voting and registration
just as well as those who are none PWDs. This can help them come close to eliminating the
feelings of being discriminated as well as to help inform the government and public about the
difficulties and struggles that the PWD have to endure due to the ineffective implementation of
the very rules set in place to empower them.
All of these will make certain that they are empowered within society—that their voices
are heard and that their rights are protected.
28
CHAPTER 2: Situationer
There are approximately 15 percent of people in the world who live with some type of
disability according to the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) World Report on
Disability (2011). Considered as the world‘s largest minority group, there are one billion people
with disability worldwide. Despite being large in number, PWDs still struggle to be included in
the general population, often experiencing social exclusion and other barriers to participation.
In order for this to be remedied, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its
Optional Protocol was adopted in December 13, 2006 at the United Nations Headquarters
(CRPD Enable, n.d.). It is a comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century, the first of its
kind—a human rights instrument to aid the UN in its initiative to change the attitudes and
approaches toward persons with disabilities (CRPD Enable, n.d.) in order to provide equal access
to rights and to enable them to fully participate in society. Article 1 of the UNCRPD and
Optional Protocol states that:
The purpose of the present Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and
equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with
disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual
or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full
and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. (Enable, 2009, p. 4)
Among the countries that ratified the CRPD is the Philippines—home to an estimated 1.4
million persons with disabilities or 1.57 percent of the population based on the 2010 Census of
Population and Housing (PSA, 2013). Unfortunately, much like the situation of PWDs on the
international level, PWDs in the Philippines are not treated the same way as those who are part
29
of the general population. In terms of employment, PWDs still experience discrimination. Only
10 to 30 percent of employable PWDs in the Philippines have a regularly paying jobs, 50 percent
are part of the informal sector, and the rest stay at home, are dependent on other family members,
rely on government aid, or are begging on the streets to survive. According to the study by
Gatchalian et al. (2014), persons with disabilities are more likely to be employed in blue-collar
jobs and that men are more likely to be hired while women suffer doubly from discrimination.
Service industries, small-scale enterprises, and those with a history of employing PWDs are
likely to hire them while the education sector is the most apprehensive of hiring PWDs
(Gatchalian, et al., 2014). It is unfortunate because it is precisely because of lack of awareness
that there is discrimination against PWDs in the first place and it is the education sector that
could possibly teach the youth otherwise.
In 2016, the Department of Finance even proposed to lift the VAT exemptions of PWDs
when there were only about 50,000 PWD card holders who benefit from the exemptions in the
first place (Cayabyab, 2016; Ager, 2016). Now that the Philippines has a new tax system, it is
important to check whether PWDs enjoy the benefits granted by it and how to make the process
of getting the PWD ID card required to avail it more efficient.
Only 60 percent of local government units or LGUs have a Persons with Disability Office
(PDAO) when it serves an important purpose for PWDs, especially since it is situated within
LGUs. Dr. Erwin Alampay, associate professor of public administration from the University of
the Philippines National College for Public Administration and Governance or UP NCPAG said
in a press conference that, ―[t]he presence of a PDAO office [in a local government unit] lowers
the chances of PWDs having limited access to various services, such as health, employment,
rehabilitation, assistive devices, education, social welfare and disaster management‖ (Yang,
30
2018). It is important that LGUs be educated, according to Dr. Alampay, as they are most
vulnerable to poverty and the lack of access to basic needs (Yang, 2018). Having PDAOs in all
LGUs will also serve as fulfilling the need for PWD representation, said Dr. Alampay (Yang,
2018). The lack of PDAOs is a clear non-compliance with the law as it is mandated in RA 10070
and the IRR of RA 10070 that PDAOs be established in every province, city and municipality to
ensure programs and services for PWDs (NCDA, n.d.).
Despite the many laws in the country addressing the problem, PWDs still struggle with
being included in mainstream society. The right to suffrage of Filipinos is safeguarded by the
Constitution yet PWDs are still unable to participate fully in both the public and private sphere.
Cavite is the considered microcosm of this study. CALABARZON is the largest region in
terms of registered voters, Cavite having the largest voting population in Region IV-A and
second to the largest (next to Cebu) among all provinces (Mangahas, de la Rosa, & Fiestada,
2018). CALABARZON is the 8th
among the regions with the largest number of PWDs
(Mangahas, de la Rosa, & Fiestada, 2018).
Although a number of programs have been launched for PWDs and has number of private
SPED or special education schools and public schools with SPED programs in the province
(NCDA, 2015), much is still lacking. As mentioned, not all of the 33 provinces, 25 cities, and
282 municipalities in the country have PDAOs despite being mandated in RA 10070 (The PWD
Forum, 2018). According to NCDA‘s Accomplishment Report, as of 2013, only 7 of the 23
LGUs in Cavite have PDAOs (NCDA, 2013).
In conjunction with this, during the 2013 elections, only two accessible polling places
(APPs) were established—both found in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
31
CHAPTER 3
Simplified Breakdown of the Data
The findings of the study come from the data collected from interviews with the PWDs,
BEIs, and key informants.
Table 1. Findings: Persons with Disabilities
CODE DATA THEMES/
SUBTHEMES
QUOTE REMARKS
1 Female; senior
citizen; has
physical
disability:
disability of
limbs; is unable to
walk properly and
is missing a few
fingers and toes
Basic
information,
has physical
disability
Respondent
learned to write
despite not having
the normal
number of fingers
Respondent lacks
self-confidence
and compares
herself to other
PWDs who have
achievements.
Perception
towards self
as a person
with
disability;
disability has
impeded on
her self-
esteem
―Nagsisisi ako kasi wala akong
kumpyansa sa sarili ko. Nakakita
ako ngayon ng PWD na
nakagraduate sila, nakatapos sila,
may mga… magandang
pangalan… Ganoon.‖
―Nakapagtapos naman ako pero
umiiral talaga sakin yung
kahiyaan. Wala akong self-
confidence.‖
―Hindi naman sa nagsisisi‖
―Ayoko yung kaawaan ako.‖
―May pagka-mayabang ako.‖
The respondent
regrets not having
developed self-
confidence and
compares her life
to other PWDs
whose
achievements are
known.
Respondent is
content with her
life
Perception
towards
future as a
person with
disability
―Ay hindi na, matanda na ako.‖
―Hindi naman, ano lang, kung
iisipin ko. Pero sa ngayon,
kuntento na ako na ganito ako.
Kahit papaano, nabibigyan ko
naman yung mga anak ko.‖
Upon the
suggestion of her
still having an
opportunity (e.g.
to study), the
respondent
immediately
rejected the idea
and claims that
she is content
with her life as is.
Respondent says
32
that it is only
wishful thinking.
Her disability is
not easily noticed
and prefers it that
way
Perception
towards own
disability
―Hindi naman pansinin ‗to eh.
Kahit nung nag-aaral ako, hindi
nila pansin ‗to eh. Kahit yung
mister ko, hindi niya napansin na
ganito ako.‖
The respondent
recounted that her
classmates nor
her husband
noticed that she
has a disability.
Was unable to
vote during the
2016 elections
Frequency of
voting
―Hindi yata, kasi nagbakasyon
kami sa [REDACTED]. Taga
[REDACTED] kasi ako.‖
because they
visited their
province.
Her name was
missing in the
voters‘ list; had to
search for it in
COMELEC‘s
original record
Problems
encountered
during the
elections
―Minsan yung… yung mga
botante, wala sa listahan.
Nawawala yung mga pangalan
namin. Tapos, kailangan pumunta
ka pa dun sa pinaka original na
record talaga para hanapin yung
pangalan mo.‖
―Sa record ng COMELEC na ano.‖
Did not
experience
difficulty in going
to the precinct
Precinct
accessibility:
going to the
precinct
voted on the 2nd
floor during the
2018 barangay
elections
Precinct
accessibility:
ground floor
voting
―Noong huling boto ko, sa second
floor ako.‖
The respondent,
when asked, did
not find much
difficulty in going
up the stairs to
vote
there was a
waiting area
available and she
was able to use it
Precinct
accessibility:
waiting area
―Meron din. Dun sa may… sa
may pinaka high school. Meron
naman.‖
No express lane,
not treated as a
priority (as a
PWD nor SC); all
elections she
voted in
Precinct
accessibility:
express lane,
priority
―Wala, sama-sama lang.‖ When asked if
there was a lane
specifically for
PWDs, the
respondent said
there was none.
She did not
experience being
treated as a
priority, not as a
PWD nor as a
senior citizen.
BEIs assisted the
respondent
Precinct
accessibility:
assistance
―Meron. Mga BEI.‖
33
Did not observe
any assistive
devices
Precinct
accessibility:
assistive
devices
―Hindi ko napansin.‖
Has experience
being an election
watcher
Familiarizatio
n with the
process
―Kasi noong bata-bata pa ako,
nagwawatcher ako. Bago ayan,
nagkaedad na ako, hindi na ako
sumali. Di na kasi malinaw ang
mata ko.‖
Has heard of it
but is not familiar
with the contents
of the law
Knowledge
on RA 10366
―Oo, narinig ko na pero hindi ko
matandaan. Ano kasi ako, ma-ano
na ang memorya ko. Madali akong
makalimot.‖
Afterwards, the
researcher
explained the
contents of the
law
Not all provisions
are completely
implemented;
implementation is
hindered by the
interest of local
government
officials; in recent
times, situation
has improved
Perception
whether RA
10366 is
successfully
implemented
or not;
reasons for
such
implementati
on
―Yung iba, nasusunod. Yung iba,
hindi.‖
―Wala naman siguro
[pagkukulang] kaya lang yung
pagtutupad ng mga nasa baba nila,
sila yung parang… Gusto nilang
sila ang nasusunod.‖
―Yung mga konsehal, minsan
napasok sa loob ng voters room.
Yung sa botoohan na kwarto. Oo,
napasok sila dyan. Doon sila
nangangampanya.‖
―Kasi may nagbabantay na ngayon
na mga alagad ng batas kaya nag-
lay low rin yung mga [gurgled]
yung mga nang-aabot.‖
The responded
proceeded to
recount some
instances where
councilors would
enter the voters‘
room and
campaign inside,
during the
election.
However, she did
say that the
situation has
improved
Suggest that the
law be properly
implemented and
that political
affiliation be
removed from its
implementation
Suggestions
to improve
implementati
on of RA
10366
―Kailangan i-ano talaga. Kung ano
yung sinasabi, susundin talaga.
Hindi yung sa… yung sa pulitika
na… wag ganoon kasi sa kalaban
natin yun. Yung ganoon.‖
―Syempre, yung COMELEC.
Yung BEI, igaguide nalang nila.‖
Philippine
elections are
PWD-friendly
Whether or
not PH
elections are
PWD-friendly
―Ang sa akin, sa sarili [ko], oo.‖
Did not
experience any
discrimination
during the
elections
Whether she
experienced
discriminatio
n
―Wala naman.‖
―Ay nanay bakit ganyan yung
kamay mo?‖
She did not
expere
34
―Yun lang sasabihin nila na wag
kang ma-ano nanay kasi may mas
grabe pa naman dito e‖
Has some
knowledge of
PWD rights and
legislation; knows
of PWDs‘ priority
and financial aid
Respondent is
apprehensive of
applying for PWD
card because of
own perception of
being a PWD
Knowledge
on PWD
rights and
legislation
―Hindi lahat.‖
―Halimbawa, nasa sasakyan ka.
Kailangan nasa unahan ka.
Nakaupo ka doon. Ikaw ang
prioriting makaupo doon. Bago
yung linya, may sarili kayong
linya. Ganoon. Yung sa mga
gamot gamot, yung may discount.‖
―Hindi ko alam kung mag-aaply pa
ba o hindi [sa PWD card]. Tsaka
mahiyain ako. Ayoko hangga‘t sa
maaaring malaman na ganito yung
kamay ko. Ganito na ako noong
bata pa ako.‖
Knows one fellow
PWD who she
considers smart
Knowledge
on PWD
rights and
legislation of
PWD peers
―Oo matalino yun eh. Nag-aral yun
eh.‖
No access to
information as
respondent is
unaccustomed to
technology
Access to
information
on PWD
rights and
legislation
―Wala akong alam sa cellphone.
Kasi tinuturuan ako ng mga anak
ko eh bobo na ako ngayon. Hindi
ko matandaan.‖
Respondent lacks
interest but is also
ashamed because
of perception of
self as a PWD
Lack of
interest in
PWD rights
and
legislation
―Naku, parang… Wala akong
pakialam sa ano. Ewan ko ba sa
sarili ko. Kasi sa sarili ko nga,
nahihiya na ako.‖
Unnoticeable
barriers and
tiredness without
seats to rest on is
a concern
Thoughts on
physical
barriers and
accessibility
Syempre katulad ng walang
ganoon nga, kung hindi mo
mapansin, madadapa ka. Tsaka
yung pagod ka na, di ka manlang
makaupo sa silya.
Meron, yung mga medyo may
edad na.
Agrees to separate
precinct for PWD
voting
Thoughts on a
separate
precinct for
PWDs
Maganda naman. Lalo na yung
ibang mga hindi masyadong
mabilis magsulat, mabagal sila,
nagagalit yung mga walang
kapansanan. _May gagawin pa
kami sa bahay, ganun. Kaya kung
35
separate, walang problema, di ba?
Pare-parehong mabagal.
PWD president Suggestions ―Dapat mayroong pinaka
presidente yung mga PWD…para
ma-voice out niya yung mga nasa
loob niya‖
2 Male; senior
citizen; has
sensory disability:
blind in one eye
and has difficulty
in seeing with the
other eye
Basic
information,
has sensory
disability
Votes in all
elections
Frequency of
voting
―Lahat po halos. Basta nagkaron
ng eleksyon, naboto ako.‖
when the
respondent asked
the kapitan who
was sitting where
the voters lists
were, the kapitan
ignored the
respondent
Problems
encountered
during the
elections
―Isang bes lang ako nagkaroon dito
ng... last... 2016.‖
―Tinatanong ko siya..
Yung kapitan ngayon, kung
saan—kung anong kwan ako.
Presinto. Kasi siyempre, eh nandon
siya nakaupo sa pwesto ng mga
kumukuha ng boto. Kung anong
number. Yun lang. Yun lang ang
naging karanasan ko. Yun lang
pagkakataon na yun.‖
Respondent walks
to the precinct
Precinct
accessibility:
going to the
precinct
Nilalakad lang ang eskwelahan.
Need for a
companion in
voting
Problems
encountered
during the
elections
Tong last akong bumoto,
nagpasama nga ako noon eh gawa
nang di ko na mabasa ang kwan.
does not use the
express lane
because of
principles
Apprehension
to using
express lane
or being
considered as
a priority
Ako kasi, ako eh... hindi pa ako
umabot sa ganon na pumila sa
PWD.
Para sa akin, kasi sa nakikita ko
naman, nakakaunawa na yan e kasi
priority ang mga PWD... mga may
disability...
Kung alam ko naman eh siya
naman eh mas may kailangan niya
mauna ay no problem sa akin. Ako
naman ay medyo malakas pa ng
onti, pagbigyan mo siya.
36
Hindi naman mababawasan yung
aking pagkatao noon. Kahit mas
bata sa‘kin, mauna ka na. Para
walang usapan. Yung ganun. Yun
ang sa akin.
Voted on the
ground floor
Precinct
accessibility:
ground floor
voting
Hindi naman. Ok naman.
no waiting area
and if you leave
the line, you‘ll
lose your place
Precinct
accessibility:
waiting area
Ang waiting area mo kasi yun
nang pipilahan mo eh. Kung saang
presinto ka nakapila hahaha yun na
ang pinaka waiting area.
did not vote on
the 2nd
floor but
had to go there to
check where the
precincts are
Precinct
accessibility:
second floor
Kaya lang ako nakakaakyat doon
kasi pag naghahanap ng mga
precinct number. Kalimitan sa
baba ako. Hindi ko pa
naeencounter na sa taas bumoto.
Napapapanik ako gawa ng
maghahanap ako ng precinct
number.
Given assistance Precinct
accessibility:
assistance
Ok naman po. Magtuturo sayo
kung anong dapat niyo... sinasabi
nila, kung halimbawa, hindi
makabasa, magsama ka ng kamag-
anak mo na pwede tumulong sa'yo
kasi hindi pwedeng ibang watcher.
No knowledge of
the law
Knowledge
on RA 10366
Hindi ko po alam. Republic Act ba
'yan?
Unsure if the law
is implemented
well or not
Perception
whether RA
10366 is
successfully
implemented
or not
Wala pa po akong nakikitang
ganon na yung aakyat na ganun.
Eh sa tingin ko naman eh wala pa
akong nakikitang ... katulad yan na
mga sinasabing waiting area yun
na mismo ang ginagawa namin.
Kasi kapag ikaw pumila,
maiiwanan ka eh. Dapat pag
umalis ka sa lugar mo na iyon, edi
kumbaga yung sumusunod sa'yo
na susunod...
Dapat naandoon ka. Pero ok
naman.
Financial only;
Lacking
Knowledge
on PWD
rights and
Ngayon ko lang nalaman, kasi
walang nag-iinterview sa aming
mga ganyan.
37
legislation
Ang alam ko lang dyan... pag
senior, meron lang mga discount
katulad ng pamasahe, pag akkain
ka sa mga mall.
No access to
legislation but can
ask relative
(former
councilor), knows
of other PWDs
and assumes they
might have some
knowledge
Access to
PWD
legislation;
perception
whether or
not other
PWDs have
access or
knowledgeabl
e
Wala po ako. (Access)
Meron naman. (Other PWDs)
Yung kanina, kamag-anak ko yun.
Baka may kaalaman sila kasi ako
naman ay hindi masyadong
Pero ano sa akin, wala ako.
Katulad niyan, pag di ko alam,
magtatanong ako sa kanya.
Kapatid ko siya, dating konsehal
dito.
None because
people know he
has a disability
Whether he
experienced
discriminatio
n
Ok naman po kasi alam naman nila
na may diperensya.
Increased number
of precincts to
lessen wait time
and queue time
Suggestions Mas maganda siguro kasi dyan,
damihan na presinto kung sakali
para kung halimbawa kwan
Para lahat makaboto. Para hindi na
maghintay ng matagal, di pipila ng
matagal, ganun ba.
3 Female; in her
40s; has sensory
disability: speech
impediment, hard
of hearing
Basic
information,
has sensory
disability
Si nanay kasi ang bumoboto para
sa akin
Numbers get
mixed up, long
lines
Problems
experienced
Nagkakagulo minsan. Yung
number, iibahin.
Ang haba ng pila.
Sometimes but
not often
Frequency of
the
occurrence of
these
problems
Merong botohan na ganun, merong
hindi.
No express lanes
for PWDs; those
with wheelchairs
have their own
lane; respondent
not given priority
Precinct
accessibility:
express lanes
Wala yata, senior lang.
Kailangan may PWD lane.
Yung mga naka-wheelchair, may
lane naman sila.
38
Yung mga reklamo, yung sa PWD.
Yung sa pila talaga yung problema
talaga! Yung mga PWD at senior,
dapat paunahin yun! Di ba?
Experienced
voting in the 2nd
floor
Precinct
accessibility:
2nd
floor
May precinto--sila, sa baba sila.
Sabi, sa taas kami. Kasi second
floor yung bagong gawa, di ba taas
yon?
Does not know
the law
Knowledge
on RA
The researcher
one-by-one
explained the
provisions
involved in the
RA10366 after
asking
No waiting area Waiting area Pila lang. walang mga bangko.
No assistance
given
Precinct
accessibility:
assistance
Walang nag-aassist. Kanya-kanya
nalang. Pagpasok mo na sa loob,
yung teacher lang Pirma, dito.
pirma. tapos ibibigay na yung ano
mo. Ganun lang. yung mga
watcher, nakatingin lang naman
yun. Yung iba, di naman nag-
aassist. Basta ikaw lang ang pipila.
Respondent
acknowledged the
lapses during the
elections
Perception on
PH elections
J Ang dami no? Ang daming
reklamo.
No assistive
devices
Precinct
accessibility:
assistive
devices
―Wala, walang ganun.‖
Yes, only the
lanes aren‘t being
followed
PWD-friendly
election
Ano naman yung pagboto, yun nga
lang yung mga lane na ano, di
nasusunod.
Discounts on
food, jeep, bus
knowledge on
rights and
legislation
Sayang din yung piso. Companion is
apprehensive in
using the PWD
card for jeepney
discounts; PWD
asserts that it is
her right
Respondent does
not know any
other PWD in
community
PWD peers A: Yung katulad dito, hindi sila
nakakakuha ng card. Wala silang
card. Yung iba siguro, alam na nila
yun. Yung may mga card. Meron
dito. Yung sa tindahan dyan.
PWD
respondent‘s
relative‘s
response
39
Companion of
PWD knows other
PWDs, them not
Disability is not
obvious which is
taken lightly by
the doctor
Those with PWD
cards might know
their benefits
Merong ginang na hindi nakapag-
aral. Hindi na inasikaso. Ako kasi,
inasikaso ko to e. Kasi sabi ng sa
DSWD e, kunan niyo to ng pwd.
kasi narinig niya yung salita niya
saka yung ganun, para ipaalam sa
munisipyo. Punta kayo sa ceenter
ng kawit, pa-ano kayo sa doktor. e
sabi nung doktor, naintindihan ko
naman yan e! Sabi niya, Oh sige.
Hindi ko masabing, tsaka hindi
masyadong marunong sumulat. Di
ko lang masabi. Tapos sabi Oh
sige na nga, bibigyan na kita. Pero
di kayang maintindihan pag di
sanay e. Yung salita. Yung mga
may card siguro, alam na nila yung
benefits nila.
Discrimination in
day-to-day life
more rampant
Day-to-day
discriminatio
n
R: Tapos yung mga jeep driver,
mga binabastos ako. Sabi ko, mga
jeep driver.
C: Marami minsan yung mga
nangangaroling dito na mga bata,
minsan ginaganoon. Minsan
ginagaya yung salita niya. Yung
mga iba, ano. Niloloko.
Respondent
companion
Companion
suggested that
PWDs be given
allowance
suggestions
4 Female; physical
disability:
amputee and is
dependent on her
wheelchair
Basic
information,
has physical
disability
Respondent
shared the trauma
that caused her
disability
Nature of
disability
"Kung hindi nauso ang shabu,
hindi ako ganito. Hindi mo ako
makikilala dahil tiyak, nasa abroad
ako"
Always votes
during the
elections; despite
the sacrifice she
makes, voting
does not falter
Frequency of
voting
―Hindi. Tuloy-tuloy na...Kasi, dati
may ka-live in ako kaya may
chance ako na maka-boto. ke
barangay, ke presidente, nag-
aappear ako.‖
Yung huling boto ko, yung
barangay? Mula eskwelahan,
naglakad kami. Kainitan. Inano ko
yun, para lang bumoto.
Dependent on
others (in this
case, her former
live-in partner)
for assistance in
order to vote
40
Nagsakripisyo kami para wala lang
silang masabi. Hindi nila alam
yun. Ang traffic traffic! Kaya nung
pauwi kami, nagwheelchair kami!
Nakarating kami rito, ang dali dali
pa. Kahit naarawan kami.
The heat and the
huge number of
people voting in
such a small
space was a
problem for her.
Problems
encountered
during the
elections
―Wala naman. Kaya lang,
nakakahilo. Ang liit-liit ng
botohan. Space ba. Sa dami ng
bumoboto...pero inaassist naman
nila ako.‖
―Mainit nga. Tanghali na nagpa-
ano e. Alas nuebe kami umalis
ninto e tapos e pagdating dun e
parang pyesta e. Di mo alam kung
saan ma-aano e. Ako pa naman ay
naka-wheelchair.‖
Everyone in the
room gives her
assistance
Who assists
her
―Lahat. Lahat ng nasa room na
yun.‖
The respondent
does not have to
fall in line as she
is immediately
given priority and
assistance
Precinct
accessibility:
express
lanes/priority
of PWDs
―Hindi na [pumipila], kasi nung
time na yun pag naboto naman
ako, inuuna na nila kaagad ako
dahil alam naman nila... inaassist
na ako ng mga staff kasi alam nila
na may ano ako. Ganto nga ako.‖
―Hindi na ako pumipila. Takot
lang nila sa wheelchair ko.‖
The respondent
was giving the
second quote
jokingly
The respondent
found no
obstacles and
voted on the
ground floor
Precinct
accessibility:
ground floor,
obstacles, etc
―Wala, wala. Sa ground floor.
Wala naman. Kasi mababa naman.
First floor naman.‖
―Ginigive way nila ako.‖
The respondent
receives special
treatment during
the election day
due to her
disability. She did
not experience
any negative
discrimination
against her.
Discriminatio
n or lack
thereof;
special
treatment
towards her
due to her
disability
―Special nga ako dun eh.‖
―Takot nga sila sa akin e. Baka
magwala ako eh.‖
The respondent is
disinterested in
legislation
regarding their
rights, even if it
Perception on
RA
10366/PWD
rights and
legislation
―Meron na kaya di ko iniintindi
yun basta ako, buhay ako. Pasok
dito, labas doon. Ano ba
magagawa ko dun, di ba?‖
41
were PWD rights;
would rather be
helped willingly
―Namatay na nga yung mayor e.
hihingi ako ng artificial feet o kaya
manlang wheelchair ayun namatay
na. Wala na. Yung anak nalang.
―Pakinggan ako, salamat. Kung
hindi, basta nasabi ko yung nasa
loob ko.‖
No assistive
devices
Precinct
accessibility:
Assistive
devices
Wala, wala akong nakita. Yung iba
naman, inaakay ng mga ---
Satisfied with
assistance
How BEIs
treated her
Mababait naman. Ok naman sila.
Law successfully
implemented
Whether or
not RA 10366
was
successfully
implemented
Oo. (maayos na naisasakatuparan)
maayos na naipapalakad ang
eleksyon
Considers other
PWDs as their
‗classmate‘ or
peers; rationalizes
that she does not
have it as bad as
the other PWDs
Perception
towards
fellow PWDs
May nakikita ako pero iniisip ko
nalang, classmate ko. Di ba?
Kaklase ko sila e. di ko sila pag-
iinsultuhin. Maswerte nga ako,
nakakagalaw e sila, inaakay pa
Respondent wants
help given out of
genuine concern
Attitude
towards
helping
PWDs
Hindi na ako nagnanais noon. Ang
gusto ko, kusa.
Kaya dala na akong humingi sa
mga kandidato. Hindi naman ako
nagppray na magkano ibigay nila,
sana naman, may kapansanan na
ako, unawain nila. Nagbabayad din
ako ng tricycle, sa kasama ko,
pamimiryendahin mo, pati
sigarilyo ng drayber
poproblemahin mo pa, bibigyan
ako sisenta pesos? Diyos ko po.
Buti pa manghingi ako pabarya-
barya, masaya pa ako.
When asked
about access to
information,
respondent
replied this
Main complaint
of respondent was
the lack of help
given by
politicians and
government
officials
Other
problems
faced by the
respondent
Ang sa akin naman, kung sinong
karapat-dapat eh. Kung sinong
dapat tulungan nila, ang
constituents dito, tulungan nila.
Hindi yung meron namang kaya,
tinutulungan nila, pero katulad ko
ay di naman nila inisip na
tulungan.
42
'Yung tipong bigyan ng kahit
wheelchair manlang. Yun lang
hinanakit ko dito.
Respondent
struggles with the
lack of empathy
of family
members
Respondent‘s
relationship
with family
members
Nito lang, last year lang. Lasing.
Binabantaan akong babarilin--
tatanggalin daw itong kamay ko.
Aba, kuya! Mag-isip isip ka kako.
Sa katawan mo nalang [patamain],
para tapos na problema ko.
"Walang care ang mga kapatid ko.
Imbis na sila ay maawa, iba sila."
PWDs need to be
understood and
encouraged
Attitude
towards
PWDs
"Ang hirap ng buhay ng may
kapansanan. Lalo na't 'di ka
inuunawa ng kasama mo."
Ang kailangan namin, encourage.
Hindi discourage [sic]. Halos lahat
ng pagkatao... parang... Parang
showbiz? Wala namang
maitutulong. Di bale sana kung
meron.
Discrimination
due to insensitive
inquiries of
people on the
nature of
respondent‘s
disability
discriminatio
n
Para bang ginagawa kang pet? Na
laruan, na yung tanong nila hindi
sila nag-iisip, kung nasasaktan ka
ba o hindi.
5 & 6 Both respondents
were stroke
victims—one
cannot write on
her own, onw can
write but it takes a
long amount of
time; both female,
both in forties
Basic
information,
nature of
disability
Respondents
chose to jointly
participate in the
interview because
they were more
comfortable this
way
Both did not miss
any election
voting
Frequency of
voting
No problems
encountered
Problems
encountered
No express lanes
for SCs and
PWDs but it was
not needed
because they were
Precinct
accessibility:
express lanes
A: Wala. Pero pag andun na, mas
pinapauna naman kami…
B: Yung place na para sa amin,
wala. Pero pag nakita kami,
43
given priority pinapauna na kami.
Has waiting area Precinct
accessibility:
waiting area
Precinct
accessibility:
2nd
floor
Meron. Dalawang baitang.
There were BEIs
who gave the
respondents
assistance
assistance
Both respondents
had a positive
experience
Positive
experience
Both respondents
preferred not to
go out of their
homes since they
acquired their
disability
Perception
towards self
as PWD
Mula nung naging PWD ako, lagi
na lang akong nasa bahay. Ngayon
lang ako lumalabas. Pero ngayon,
nakakapunta na ako sa SM
Ako din. Ako di talaga lumalabas
ng bahay.
Both cited
healthcare and
provision of
wheelcair
Knowledge
on PWD
rights and
legislation
Ang sabi ni ano, meron na katulad
nung mga wheelchair na nakuha
natin kay mayor…
Yung mga gamot namin,
nakakakuha kami ng gamot diyan
sa sentra…. Pati mga vaccine, sa
pneumonia.
Respondents
know only their
councilor to be
knowledgeable on
the topic
Access to
information
Sa mga batas, wala kaming ibang
mapagtanungan kundi si
[COUNCILOR]. Ano ba mga
karapatan naming mga PWD?
vaccine, sa pneumonia.
Figures that older
PWDs know.
They did not even
know they were
called PWDs
Knowledge of
PWD peers
Siguro, yung mga matatanda na.
Sila nakakaalala samin… Ngayon
lang namin nalaman.
Di nga namin alam na PWD
[kami].
Improvement on
attitude
suggestions Wala naman siguro. Dapat lang
bigyan kami ng… kasi alam nilang
ganito kami. May mga suplada
kasi. Pag nakita nila kami, wag
nang maging suplada. Kahit ganito
kami, turing naman kami nang
maayos. Wag kaming ituring na
44
katawa-tawa. Yung tatawanan ka,
ayoko ng ganun.
No discrimination
experienced
during the
elections, but it is
experienced
outside of the
elections
discriminatio
n
Wala naman. Sa labas lang.
7 Has physical
disability
Nature of
disability
voted in all
elections
Frequency of
voting
Normal ang boto ko.
The last one he
skipped was 18
years ago
Long lines,
missing names,
politicians
allegendly
cheating the
elections;
problems
happened during
the barangay
elections
Only problem in
national elections
is choosing who
to vote for
Problems
encountered
Oo, ang problema lang dito, yung
pila. Minsan nawawala yung
pangalan mo, eh gawa nun kasi
may dayaan, yung voters' list,
nagkakagulo-gulo. …Yun ngang
sinasabi ko sa'yo, mga pulitikong
magugulo. Gumagawa ng
pandaraya.
Pag national election, ang
problema lang diyan, wala naman
kaming problema sa national
election. Ang problema lang, kung
sino nga yung pipiliin mo.
The responded
proceeded to
explain his
parameters for
choosing his
candidates, all
mostly based on
what they have
done or what laws
they have passed,
not necessarily
with regard to
PWDs.
Elections easy for
the respondent
because he knows
his precinct
number, no
discrimination, no
chaos unlike
before.
PWDs and SCs
are given priority
Precinct
accessibility,
discriminatio
n, priority
Oo naman. Kasi…alam ko yung
precinct number ko, yun nalang
hahanapin ko. Wala namang
discrimination dito na... wala
namang pangit na pangyayari dito.
Sa ngayon, ah. Noon, nag-aaway-
away kami noon. Nung magulo pa
yung mga kapitan kapitan, mga
mayor. Kaya yung pagboto namin,
maayos naman
Tsaka naman, nabibigyan naman
ng priority pag PWD. Alam naman
nilang privilege nila 'yan, matanda
ka na, pauunahin ka sa pila.
It depends on
what precinct the
person is assigned
to; people in
wheelchairs will
Precinct
accessibility:
ground floor
Ah, hindi. Minsan nasa taas.
Depende kung saan mapalagay
yung precinct nila.
Yung mga naka-wheelchair,
45
be carried bubuhatin.
Respondent
considers it an
obligation to vote;
goes to the
polling place
early
Motivations
for voting
despite
inconvenienc
e
Oo. Magtiis ka eh gampanan mo
yung tungkulin mo bilang Pilipino,
obligado ka sa ganun eh. Siguro
naman bago matapos ang
eleksyon, makakaakyat naman ako
eh. Kaya nga inaagahan ko ang
pagpunta.
No assistive
devices
Assistive
devices
Does not know
the contents of the
law
Knowledge
on RA 10366
Republic Act? Anong batas yun?
Policy cannot be
fully implemented
because of the
lack of facilities
in the country, for
example
insufficient
number of
precincts to
number of voters
Perception on
RA 10366
Alam mo, nene, hindi naman natin
masusunod yun eh kasi kulang
tayo sa facilities eh. Eh katulad ng
high school [at] elementary namin,
eh sa dami ng precinct natin eh
kulang ang nasa baba. Kaya
kailangang gumamit ng second
floor. Eh ang mga ganyang batas,
eh hindi masusunod.
The law is good
but
implementation
depends on the
location
Voting is orderly
in respondent‘s
area so he does
not have
complaints about
the law
Evaluation of
RA 10366
Maganda yung batas na 'yun. Kaya
lang, depende sa lugar. Di katulad
nung mga nasa liblib na lugar,
konti lang mga botante dyan. Yung
sa mga rural area kasi, konto konti
lang.
Hindi ko masabing maayos…Yung
ganyang batas, walang problema
sakin. Eh kasi dito naman sa'tin eh,
lahat naman ng PWD dito sa'tin eh
nakakaboto naman ng ayos. Wala
namang nirereklamo. Eh, siguro,
ibig-sabihin lang, ok naman 'tong
lugar namin.
Had no problem
with assistance;
PWDs are the
hotheaded ones
Assistance Ah, oo. Mababait naman dito yung
mga teacher. Ang hindi mabait
dito, yung PWD. Iritable katawan
niyan eh. Wala ngang haba ng
pasensya. Lalong lalo na diabetic.
Lalong mainitin ang ulo. Kaya
mainit ang ulo ko talaga eh.
People will only
know the law
when it is not
implemented well
Awareness on
PWD rights
and
legislation
Marami rin akong alam na mga
inaano sa republic act, pero yung
mga ganyang batas, hindi ko
naman pagtutuunan ng pansin kasi
nga maayos naman yung ano
46
namin. Malalaman mo lang 'yang
mga ganyang batas, eh pag
nangyari 'yang disgrasya--
halimbawa, nagkaroon ng tensyon
at nagkaroong ng hindi magandang
ano, doon mo lang hahanapin yung
batas na 'yan.
Has access to
information
through
technology and
social media;
claims that those
who are
uneducated are
ignorant in this
technological age
Access to
information
Meron naman tayong mababasa, di
ba? Eh, high-tech na kompyuter ng
ating cellphone, merong gustong
impormasyon na malaman,
malalaman mo sa facebook o sa
YouTube. Pwede mong tanungin
sa cellphone. Kaya ang ignorante
na lang sa panahon, yung talagang
walang aral. Napakadali nang
mabuhay. May cellphone ka, i-type
mo sa cellphone. Sasabihin sa'yo
ng cellphone. High-tech na tayo
ngayon.
Does not know if
fellow PWDs
know or are
interested in the
law; bases it on
educational
attainment
Knowledge of
PWD peers
Hindi ko lang alam kung sila'y
may alam sa batas, kung sila'y may
interesado sa batas. Di natin
masasabi 'yun kasi depende din sa
pinag-aralan ng isang tao. Kung
yun naman ay mga elementary
graduate lang eh hindi na mag-
iintindi 'yan.
Attitude towards
PWDs is a
problem, even in
hospitals
Discriminatio
n in day-to-
day life
Ang number one problema dito sa
atin, mapa-normal na tao, mapa-
PWD, attitude. Kahit sa hospital,
makaka-kita ka ng discrimination.
Respondent says
there‘s still a lot
to do but did not
elaborate what
exactly to do
improvements Kaya lang, katulad ng sabi ko
sa'yo, pag ang batas ay nanggaling
sa isip--kailangan mas maganda
kung galing sa puso. Marami.
Marami pang kailangang gawin.
Hindi na ako magbibigay kung ano
pa 'yun pero napakarami pang
dapat.
Drinking fountain
because of the
heat
Other
suggestions
Dapat naglagay ang COMELEC
ng mga drinking fountain. Minsan
eh, makakakita ka sa mga senior
citizen, nakalupaloy dun sa ano...
tuyong-tuyo, hinang-hina. Kasi
nga, sa lakad yun. Lalakad ka
papunta riyan, walang mainom
basta. Eh pano kung ang isang
botante, walang dalang pera?
Dapat naman, yung ikabubuti ng
47
mga botante... kahit tubig manlang.
Heat as a
detterent to voting
Deterrents to
voting
oo, maraming naiinitan. Marami.
Unang-una, pupunta ka dyan.
Hahanapin mo pa yung pangalan
mo. Eh kung magcollapse ka dyan,
mapapagod ka.
sees politics now
as a business
instead of public
service
Personal
evaluation of
PH elections
"What is politics? Public servant
[sic]. What is politics now?
Business."
Respondent
claims that SCs
and PWDs do not
need pity, but
instead, they need
understanding
Attitude
towards
PWDs
Ang isang PWD, ang isang senior
citizen, hindi dapat kinaaawaan.
Dapat, inuunawa. Hindi kailangan
ng isang PWD ang awa.
As long as you‘re
a PWD, you are
discriminated;
PWDs do not get
income because
of discrimination
Discriminatio
n; difficulties
of being a
PWD
Yung mga nakapwesto na
ibinoboto ng tao, ang ibinibigay
niyan ay awa. Ano bang binigay
nila sa PWD, discount? 20%
discount? Akala ng mga
nakapwesto, maganda ba yun?
Naisip ba nila yung 80% discount
[sic] kung saan manggagaling? Sa
palagay mo?
Kung ikaw ay isang PWD at wala
kang income dahil discrimination
din sa atin--basta't ikaw ay naging
PWD, mayroon nang
discrimination.
Kaya sinasabi ko sa‘yo, mabigat
maging PWD, depende sa
gobyerno o bansang
kinabibilangan mo.
Dito sa gobyerno natin sa
Pilipinas, pag ikaw ay PWD, dahil
nga may discrimination, zero ang
tatanggap sa isang PWD.
8 Suffered from a
stroke, problems
with mobility
Nature of
disability
Voted in all
elections
Frequency of
voting
none Problems
encountered
No need for
waiting area
Precinct
accessibility:
48
because the
process was quick
waiting area
Voted on the 2nd
floor but it has a
ramp
Precinct
accessibility:
2nd
floor
Oo, second floor for disabled yun
eh
Oo, sa right side, may pang-kabit
pa nga diyan eh
Was given
assistance
assistance
No assistive
devices
Assistive
devices
Familiar with it
but does not know
the contents
Knowledge
on RA 10366
Researcher
explains the law
Respondent
considers the
implementation of
the law as okay
Evaluation of
RA 10366
Ehhh sa tingin ko okay
Respondent
knows only a few
Knowledge
on PWD
rights and
legislation
Naalala ko lang ang iba
Assume that they
have some
knowledge but
not all, as the
respondent
himself did not
know
Knowledge of
PWD peers
hindi ko masasabing oo eh, kasi,
ako din hindi ko din nalaman to eh,
siguro meron silang mga alam na
konti pero hindi lahat alam nila
No access Access to info ay hindi, hindi ako marunong
ehhhhh mga kapitbahay ko lang, o
un sa TV
It is hard for
people especially
those who have
difficulty in
walking, those
who need to go
down the stairs
but there are a lot
of people, and
those who come
from far places
Effects of
physical
barriers
Oo mahirap, kasi yung mga iba
diyan, hindi nga makalakad eh,
paano pag kailangan bumaba hindi
makababa dahil madaming tao.
Paano pag sa malayo ka pa
nanggaling tapos masakit ang paa
mo, eh problema mo na yun.
9 Has physical
disability
Nature of
disability
Respondent voted
in all elections
Frequency of
voting
Respondent did
not experience
Problems
encountered
49
any problems or
complications
Was a priority priority
BEIs and
watchers assisted
the respondent
PWDs aren‘t that
inconvenienced
because they are
provided with
assistance
assistance Mga watcher, minsan mga teacher
Hindi naman, kasi meron nag-
aalalay
leaves early and
uses his sidecar
Travel to
precinct
Umaga pa lang na umaalis na ako,
gumagamit ko ng sidecar
Does not know
the law
Knowledge
on RA 10366
Hindi pa po
Mentioned having
the need to fight
for his rights as
well as the
advantages of
PWD cards and
discounts
Awareness on
PWD rights
and
legislation
Respondent
thinks fellow
PWDs do not
know PWD rights
and legislation
because they lack
initiative; PWD‘s
motivation is his
family
Knowledge of
PWD peers
Ang mga iba hindi nila alam yun,
kasi ang mga iba diyan tambay
tambay lang, mga iba diyan
tamarin lang, hindi sila dapat
ganyan. Hindi sila nakikisama o
naghahanap buhay, mga iba
napunta din sa bisyo.Yung mga
andyan mga...anu diyan. Hindi sila
naghahanap buhay kaya ayun di
nila ginagamit ang mga utak nila.
Yung kasabihan natin eh. Kung
kaya mo, gawin mo. Umayos ka
para matupad mo pangarap mo
para sa mga anak mo, na
makatapos sila. Yan yung
pangarap ko.
Physical barriers
affect PWDs in
mobility. Voting
in upper floors
can lead to
accidents
Effect of
physical
barriers
Nakakaapekto, kasi ang mga iba
diyan hindi makakaakyat, kasi
nakakangalay. Hindi tulad ng pag
nasa baba nakapahinga ka pa pero
pag nakatayo sila, nakakangalay.
Peor pag nasa taas, kung aakyat
yung iba hindi kaya. Dapat talaga
nasa baba...dati, nung aakyat kami
nagrereklamo ako, hindi tama ito,
ang mga..ano dapat nasa baba. Eh
paano kung mahulog sa hagdanan?
50
Edi nadisgrasya. Dapat yung hindi
na kami pinapahirapan. Dapat
kung ganun ang mga may senior,
nasa baba, wag mo na din kami
paintayin.
10 Respondent has
sensory disability;
blind since 1999;
senior citizen
Nature of
disability;
basic
information
No missed voting
in fear of name
being lost
Frequency of
voting
―Talagang tuwing botohan,
nakaboto ako‖
―Wala kasi sayang yung boto ko.
Baka mawala pangalan ko.‖
No problems
encountered
Problems
encountered
Satisfactory;
treated well
assistance ―Ok naman yung mga nag-aassist.
Mababait naman sila.‖
Despite there
being a few steps
that the
respondent has to
climb, she can
still do so
Precinct
accessibility:
steps
―Sinasabi naman niya sakin. Kaya
nakakaano naman ako.
Nakakaakyat naman ako kaya lang
una muna ‗tong masakit na paa.
Kasi masakit yung kanan ko eh.‖
No waiting area
but some let them
sit elsewhere
Precinct
accessibility:
waiting area
―Wala namang waiting [area] dun.
Minsan naman pag may nakakakita
dun sa barangay, nag-aabang ng
sasakyan, nagpapaupo naman.‖
PWDs have own
line
Precinct
accessibility:
Express lines
Respondent voted
on the first floor
Precinct
accessibility:
first floor
Respondent was
prioritized
priority
Has heard of it
but does not know
its contents
Knowledge
on RA 10366
Narinig ko na sa tv yun
Hindi, yun lang narinig ko. Di ko
na [nalaman] kung ano yun.
Oo nga kasi naririnig ko yung
ganyan pero di ko alam yung ibig
sabihin. Ngayon ko lang narinig
yung ganyan, na may karapatan
pala kami.
Researcher
explained the
contents of the
law
Not all of the
provisions are met
Evaluation of
RA 10366
Yung iba naman kasi talagang di
naaayos pa.
51
Parang walang wheelchair.
Parang wala kasi akong
naririnig…kasi di ko nakikita.
PWD-friendly
because
respondent is
prioritized
PWD-friendly
elections
Maayos naman kasi di naman…
Pag ako naboto, ok lang. Inuuna na
kami.
Some know, some
don‘t
Knowledge of
PWD peers
Yung iba hindi, yung iba alam nila.
Respondent can
ask their
councilor
Access to info Minsan si [REDACTED]. Yan
lang naman yung matiyaga.
Matiyaga yan sakin.
Right to
complain;
inconvenience of
voting on upper
floors especially
for people with
physical disability
Perception on
physical
barriers
Syempre nakakaawa din, katulad
ng mga pilay. Buti kung
matulungan silang umakyat.
Karapatan din sigurong
magreklamo pag ganun. Kasi
mahihirapan din sila sa pag-akyat.
Bababa pa. Kung paakyat,
napakahirap kaya.
Respondent wants
to be understood
and to be given
assistance to
Respondent hopes
that instead of
being treated well
by EIs because of
their training,
PWDs be treated
well because they
are fellow human
beings
Attitude
towards
PWDs
Maging maayos sila. Yung mga
katulad naming may disability.
Yung intindihin nila. Diba meron
naman kasing, minsan may ano na
pero ―Oh dyan kayo.‖ Parang
nakakaano naman yung ganun.
Syempre yung maayos na election,
na ano yung mga nagbabantay. Na
intindihin yung mga katulad
namin.
Kapwa tao na lang. Wala nang
training. Kung talagang gusto nila
intindihin, ok lang. Kasi
naiintindihan din namin mga
katulad namin. Minsan nahihirapan
din naman yung mga nag-aassist.
Tulad namin. Ok lang yun.
People treat the
respondent
differently and is
yelled at
Discriminatio
n outside of
the elections
Yung turing na parang kami. Kasi
pag may disability, minsan ang
turing nila, iba na. Laging
nakasigaw. Syempre kami, di
naman namin ano yun. Sila rin
nakakaintindi. Kasi kami din
naman katulad ng mga pilay.
Mahirap din naman umintindi.
Mag-ayos ng pila. Gusto nila sila
mauna. Kaya nga intindihin na
lang nila situation namin, ng
52
katulad namin
The ten (10) Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) interviewed were all registered voters in
Cavite, coming from four different barangays in Kawit, Imus, and Rosario. The data gathered
from the interviews WERE classified as the following based on their perception and experience:
problems encountered, physical barriers, social barriers, RA 10366, knowledge on PWD rights
and laws, evaluation, and suggestions.
With regard to their experiences during the elections, the initial response of PWDs was
that they did not encounter any problems. Four (4) of the PWDs did not mention any instance
that they viewed as a bad experience, while the remaining respondents did cite a variety of
responses, from the large number of people of voting to missing names from the voters‘ list to
the hot weather. Despite the problems they had mentioned, almost all of the PWDs interviewed
voted in every election without fail, except for one missing the 2016 elections due to personal
reasons. Half of the respondents did not experience difficulty in going to the precincts. One
expressed that, despite the sacrifice she makes, her voting does not falter. Two other respondents
mentioned that they make the effort to leave early in the morning to vote.
Proceeding to a more in-depth evaluation of RA 10366, the researcher asked questions on
whether the provisions regarding accessibility and assistance are properly executed—treating
these as the physical and social barriers to participation.
First, for the physical barriers, would be whether the polling place is located on the
ground floor or otherwise. Of the ten respondents, six had voted only on the first floor of the
schools that serveD as their polling places. Three of the respondents had experienced voting on
the second floor precincts. Some of the respondents know of PWDs and senior citizens who had
to vote on the second floor, one having witnessed firsthand that some people help carry the
53
voters in wheelchairs up the stairs. One of the respondents did not vote on the second floor but
had to go upstairs in search of the precinct he would vote in. One response that struck me was
that the PWD had to endure the struggle to fulfill his duty as a Filipino. He views it as an
obligation, and mentioned jokingly that that eventually he would be able to climb the stairs
before the election ends.
Next would be waiting areas. The responses of the PWDs interviewed were a mix of
claims that there was no waiting area, there was no need for a waiting area, either because they
were being prioritized, the line is the waiting area itself, or that they did not know. Only one of
the respondents said that there was a waiting area available and that she was able to use it.
There was also a mix of responses in terms of express lanes. Two said that there were no express
lanes, either in general or that it is for senior citizens only. One said only those with wheelchairs
could avail. One said that there was a lane for PWDs. One respondent deliberately does not use
the express lane because of principles. The rest could not recall or did not need to fall in line
because they were immediately prioritized.
None of the respondents noted any other physical barriers that they noticed during the
elections. Proceeding to social barriers, questions regarding priority, assistance, assistive devices,
and discrimination were asked.
Only two respondents stated that they were not prioritized while the rest of the PWDs
interviewed were treated as a priority. Only one respondent claimed that she was not given any
assistance by the BEIs while the rest were, a majority of which mentioned that they were content
with the assistance given to them. All of the PWDs interviewed observed no assistive devices,
for example headphones, extra wheelchairs, or visual aids. Some attribute this lack of equipment
to lack of funds or that it may only be found in urbanized places like Manila.
54
All of the respondents interviewed did not experience discrimination during the elections.
In fact, one of the respondents described that she felt special during the elections, with all of the
attention directed towards her because she uses a wheelchair. However, a significant number of
respondents described their day-to-day lives where they do experience discrimination. Although
it was also not prompted by the researcher, more than half of the respondents explained
extensively about their perception of themselves as and what they feel about being a PWD. One
of the respondents explicitly described herself as lacking in self-confidence. A common
sentiment of theirs was that they do not want to be pitied and would rather be understood by
other people. Some rationalize that other PWDs have it worse compared to them, some were
ashamed of having a disability, while some did not talk about their disability at all.
The researcher asked all of the respondents whether they knew OF RA 10366. Three of
the respondents said that they had heard of it but all of them did not know the law. After
explaining its contents, the researcher asked for their perception of it. The respondents had mixed
views on the law, ranging from it being successfully implemented, partially implemented, or not
implemented well but it falls mostly on the positive side. Some of the respondents found that not
all of the provisions are completely implemented. Some said that the implementation is hindered
by local government officials‘ self-interest. Some WERE doubtful that it wOULD be followed in
its entirety because of lack of facilities, the huge number of voters, and many precincts. Some
believe that it is implemented successfully.
The researcher asked the respondents on what should be improved with RA 10366. All of
the respondents suggested that the law be properly implemented. One asked that the politics
behind it or any political affiliation should be removed from its implementation. Another
mentioned that proper assistance should be given to PWDs, not because it is under the protocol
55
of BEIs‘ training, but because they should be treated as normal human beings. The respondent
was pertaining to the motivations behind the assistance of the BEIs. In a more general sense, one
PWD suggested having a PWD president similar to senior citizens having a president. Another
expressed the need for more voting precincts to accommodate the large number of voters. Upon
the question on the Philippine elections as a whole, the majority of the respondents agreed that it
is PWD-friendly. Yes, they did recognize that some provisions weren‘t implemented but a
majority did have a positive experience during the elections.
The researcher also asked the PWDs of their knowledge on their rights and laws made for
their benefit. As some of the participants were also senior citizens, they mentioned the benefits
they get from them. All of the participants mentioned financial benefits (e.g. discounts) and
being treated as a priority in queues. Some did mention their rights but none of the respondents
said anything specific. One respondent was very passionate when he expressed his frustration
that the 20% discount given to PWDs is not enough as oftentimes, PWDs do not have income for
the remaining 80. One respondent suggested giving PWDs allowance.
When asked if the respondents had access to information with regard to PWD rights and
legislation, four (4) did not have access to information, one had some access to information with
the help of technology and the rest haD little access or did not answer the question. Two of the
PWDs interviewed explicitly said that they were disinterested and one is not as interested. The
rest did not mention their interest in PWD laws and rights.
The respondents were also asked if they know or are aware of other PWDs in their
community, and if so, if they would know or be interested in PWD laws or rights. One knows
another PWD that she described being smart. Three assume others have some knowledge as
56
them. One does not know any other PWDs. Some are unsure as it may depend on educational
attainment if they know or are interested.
Table 2. Findings: Board of Election Inspectors
CODE THEMES/SUBTHEMES DATA QUOTE, PAGE REMARKS
1 Training on assisting
PWDs
underwent training in
assisting PWD voting
Yes in our training
included how to assist
PWDs in voting
Knowledge on the
contents of RA 10366
knows of the law; does
not know the
specifics/technicalities
of it.
Yes, RA 10366 is
about the rules and
regulations for voting
of persons with
disabilities.
Difficulties experienced
by PWDs
Express lanes were not
utilized effectively;
PWDs still had to wait
for a time in order to
vote
During voting time,
express lanes for
PWDs, senior citizens,
and pregnant women
were not utilized
effectively. They had
to wait in line
patiently in order to
vote.
difficulty in assisting
PWDs
no difficulty attributed
to companions of
PWDs
No, I did not find any
difficulty because the
PWDs have their own
companions to assist
them until they cast
their votes.
Whether or not RA 10366
was effectively
implemented
effectively
implemented because
BEIs were well-
informed on how to
assist PWDs
Yes, it was effectively
implemented. The
BEIs were well
informed about the
PWDs on how to
assist them.
Whether or not the
elections were PWD-
friendly
PWD-friendly as the
people around were
aware of PWDs
Yes, 2016 elections
for me is PWD-
friendly because
people were also
aware about PWDs
and still even if they
were PWDs, it is not a
hindrance to exercise
57
their suffrage to vote.
Suggestions or
recommendations to
policy implementation
Precincts be separated,
at a location more
accessible and more
spacious for them to
move around with
special BEIs available
in each polling place to
assist PWDs who do
not have a companion.
I think the PWDs will
be served better if
their precinct will be
separated. Their voting
precincts should be
located accessible for
PWDs and more
spacious enough to
move around
especially for those
using wheelchairs.
And a special Board of
Elections Inspectors
will also be available
in each polling place
to assist PWDs who
vote alone.
To note that
it is already
within the
law that
there should
be a special
BEIs for this
precise
reason and
the BEI
interviewed
is not aware
of it.
Concept of
EAPPs
2 Training on assisting
PWDs
underwent training in
assisting PWD voting
Four months before
the election the
Commission on
Elections conducted a
training to all BEI
members. The training
includes on how to
assist PWD‘s in
voting.
Knowledge on the
contents of RA 10366
knows of the law; does
not know the
specifics/technicalities
of it.
Yes, RA 10366 is all
about the rights of
PWDs to exercise their
rights to vote and
providing them
accessible polling
place and other
assistance during
election.
Difficulties experienced
by PWDs
Did not see PWDs
experience any
problems
As what I‘ve
remembered, we did
not experienced [sic]
any problem
particularly in
handling persons with
disability.
difficulty in assisting
PWDs
No problems
encountered because of
the training that BEIs
No, because we
followed the things we
learned during the
58
underwent. training
Whether or not RA 10366
was effectively
implemented
Law was effectively
implemented.
Yes, RA 10366 was
effectively
implemented during
2016 election
Whether or not the
elections were PWD-
friendly
PWD-friendly because
COMELEC provided
accessible places and
other assistance.
Yes, the Comelec
provided them with
accessible places and
other assistance
Suggestions or
recommendations to
policy implementation
Voting of PWDs be
separated, whether it be
a different polling
place or a different date
to vote in order to
avoid the big crowd.
Maybe the Comelec
should provide a
separate polling place
for PWDs only or date
to vote to avoid the big
crowd during election
3 Training on assisting
PWDs
underwent training in
assisting PWD voting
Yes
Knowledge on the
contents of RA 10366
knows of the law; does
not know the
specifics/technicalities
of it.
Yes, RA 10366 is all
about the rights of
PWDs to exercise their
rights to vote and
providing them
accessible polling
place and other
assistance during
election
Difficulties experienced
by PWDs
Did not see PWDs
experience any
problems
I did not encounter
any problem
particularly in
handling persons with
disability
difficulty in assisting
PWDs
No problems
encountered because
PWDs were
cooperative
No, because they are
cooperative
Whether or not RA 10366
was effectively
implemented
Law was effectively
implemented.
Yes, it was effectively
implemented
Whether or not the
elections were PWD-
friendly
PWD-friendly because
COMELEC provided
accessible places for
them
Yes, the Comelec
provided them with
accessible polling
places
Suggestions or
recommendations to
Both the PWD
precincts and date of
Provide a separate
polling place and date
59
policy implementation voting be separated, to
avoid the big crowd.
to vote only for PWDs
to avoid the big crowd
during election
4 Training on assisting
PWDs
underwent training in
assisting PWD voting
Yes
Knowledge on the
contents of RA 10366
knows of the law; does
not know the
specifics/technicalities
of it.
Yes, it‘s about the
PWDs right to vote
and enjoy the same
human rights as
everyone
Difficulties experienced
by PWDs
Did not see PWDs
experience any
problems
I did not encounter
any difficulties
regarding persons with
disabilities
difficulty in assisting
PWDs
No problems
encountered because
(1) the BEIs prioritized
PWDs, (2) they were
treated as normal
citizens, and (3) the
PWDs themselves were
cooperative
No, I did not
experience any
difficulties because we
prioritized and I treat
them as normal, and
they are cooperative
Whether or not RA 10366
was effectively
implemented
Law was effectively
implemented.
Yes, it was effectively
implemented
Whether or not the
elections were PWD-
friendly
PWD-friendly because
of the separate lanes
for them
yes, because we have
separate lanes for them
Suggestions or
recommendations to
policy implementation
Additional BEIs to
accommodate the huge
number of voters
Additional board of
election inspectors
since the number of
voters are huge
5 Training on assisting
PWDs
underwent training in
assisting PWD voting
Yes
Knowledge on the
contents of RA 10366
knows of the law; does
not know the
specifics/technicalities
of it.
RA 10366 provides
rules and regulations
for voting of PWDs
Difficulties experienced
by PWDs
PWDs experience
difficulty when there
are no people to assist
them. Some voters are
in a hurry to vote.
Some voters had
Mahirap sa part ng
PWD lalo na yung
walang nag-aassist at
ang ibang botante ay
nagmamadali rin sila
na makaboto agad. Di
60
difficulty in finding the
names of the
candidates they would
vote for.
nila Makita ang
pangalan ng iboboto
nila.
difficulty in assisting
PWDs
Found it easy to assist
PWDs so long as they
know who they will
vote for.
Madali lang mag-
assist sa mga PWDs
kung alam na nila ang
kanilang iboboto
Whether or not RA 10366
was effectively
implemented
Effective. Yes BEI did not
elaborate on
it.
Whether or not the
elections were PWD-
friendly
PWD-friendly because
people were already
aware of it.
Yes, sa aking palagay
naging PWD-friendly
ang 2016 elections
dahil naging aware na
ang iba tungkol dito
Suggestions or
recommendations to
policy implementation
Provide a separate
polling precinct so that
there will be more
focus put into PWDs.
Siguro mas mabuti
kung naka separate
ang polling precinct
nila kaysa sa ibang
precinct upang mas
lalong matutukan ang
PWDs
6 Training on assisting
PWDs
underwent training in
assisting PWD voting
Yes
BEI did not
elaborate.
Knowledge on the
contents of RA 10366
The participant agreed
but did not elaborate on
their knowledge of it,
only that they know it.
Yes
Difficulties experienced
by PWDs
Lack of areas/waiting
areas for PWDs
Lack of areas/waiting
areas for PWDs
difficulty in assisting
PWDs
No No BEI did not
elaborate.
Whether or not RA 10366
was effectively
implemented
Yes. Yes BEI did not
elaborate on
it.
The next group interviewed were teachers who served as Board of Election Officers
(BEIs) from different precincts in Kawit. The researcher asked questions regarding their training,
61
difficulties they observed and experienced, their knowledge on the law, their evaluation of it, and
their suggestions to its implementation.
Seven (7) out of the eight (8) BEIs interviewed claimed they underwent training which
included how to assist PWDs in their voting. The remaining one said that they were only trained
in operating the voting machines, not in assisting PWDs. The BEI stated that they are not
allowed to assist PWDs—only the PWDs‘ companions are allowed.
One of the BEIs cited that there was a lack of places or waiting areas for PWDs. Two
attributed difficulties in express lanes and the wait time. One of them stated ineffective
utilization of express lanes as the reason to why PWDs still had to wait in order to vote while the
other mentioned that there were other voters (e.g. senior citizens, heavily pregnant women) who
availed the express lanes so PWDs had to wait patiently in line. One BEI stated that PWDs
experienced difficulties when there are no people to assist them. Voters who are in a hurry to
vote also posed as a difficulty to PWDs. Having difficulty in finding the names of the candidates
they would vote for was another difficulty that PWDs faced. Half of the eight (8) BEIs did not
observe PWDs experience any problems during the elections, one of which is the BEI who
agreed to a physical interview. However, upon being further questioned, she mentioned a variety
of information with regard to the provisions in RA 10366.
According to the BEI, if the PWDs‘ precinct is on the higher floors, they are forced to go
there because precincts are according to the barangays where voters live. Express lanes are good.
But the precincts lacked assistive equipment. The people themselves serve as a barrier because of
the sheer number of voters.
The BEI cited missing names from the voters‘ list as an example that deters voters from
exercising their right to vote. The BEI thinks that some PWDs decided not to vote because they
62
find difficulty in voting, especially if they have had negative experiences. She cited relatives who
have experienced this problem and opted not to vote. The BEI also mentioned a neighbor who is
a PWD that does not vote anymore. This same BEI remarked that there was a free shuttle service
that anyone can avail so PWDs have this option.
Seven (7) out of eight (8) BEIs said that they did not encounter any difficulty in assisting
PWDs, attributing any one or a combination of the following reasons: The PWDs were
cooperative, the PWDs knew who they will vote for, the PWDs had companions to assist them,
the BEIs prioritized PWDs, PWDs were treated as normal citizens, and/or because of the training
that BEIs underwent. One of the BEIs, however, remarked that they were not allowed to assist
PWDs—only volunteers from the barangay. These volunteers were the ones who assisted PWDs
before they went inside.
Seven (7) of the BEIs claimed they know of the law, six (six) of which gave a gist of the
law, while the remaining one did not elaborate on it. Of the six (6) that gave what they thought
the law was about, three claimed that it was about the rules and regulations for the voting of
PWDs, three cited rights, for example, PWDs‘ right to vote and enjoy the same rights as
everyone, two mentioned accessible polling places, and two mentioned giving assistance to
PWDs. However, all seven (7) did not know or mention any specific provisions within the law.
The remaining one out of the eight (8) BEIs did not know the law but was willing to learn about
it.
The BEIs were unanimous in that the law was effectively implemented. Some have cited
them being well-informed on how to assist PWDs because of their training seminars or because
PWDs are given priority during the elections as the reason for this.
63
All BEIs interviewed for the study believed that the Philippine elections are PWD-
friendly because of any or a combination of the following reasons: other people‘s awareness,
COMELEC‘s provision of accessible places or other assistance, separate lanes for PWDs, or that
PWDs were prioritized.
A majority of the BEIs suggested that the voting of PWDs be separated, whether it be
location or date. Some suggested special BEIs to assist PWDs in voting, or additional BEIs to
cater to, not just PWDs, but also the general population. One of the BEIs regarded the proper
implementation of the law as a solution because the contents of the law are good but not all of its
provisions are followed. This same BEI, however, claimed that there is no need for other
recommendations, citing the lack of problems they had encountered during the elections as the
reason.
Table 3. Findings: Mrs. Mary Ann Evangelista-Gorrez, a key informant
THEMES DATA QUOTE, PAGE
PE
RS
PE
CT
IVE
ON
DIS
AB
ILIT
Y
OIC director of
National Council on
Disability Affairs:
there should be
accessibility in
voting for PWDs
because all people
have the right to
vote—disability
should not be an
obstacle to exercise
that right.
People with
disabilities are not
disabled.
PWD‘s are not
rendered useless.
There is nothing to
fix unless medical
―Actually, yan ay tinalakay ni [REDACTED], which is the OIC
director of National Council on Disability Affairs. Nung nagkaron
tayo ng eleksyon remember nung sa barangay ay sinabi niya na
dapat may accessibility sa pagboboto para sa mga taong may
kapansanan kasi lahat po ng tao ay may karapatan na bumoto
sohindi dapat maging hadlang o balakid ang pagiging person with
disability para ikaw ay mag-exercise ng karapatang iyon.‖
―Kaya hindi na natin pwedeng gamitin ang ―handicap‖ or
―abnormal‖ kasi ang feeling ng mga persons with disability, we are
not abnormal. We are not disabled.‖
―As far as persons with disabilities are concerned, there‘s nothing to
fix. Not unless, as I‘ve said, yung medical condition nila like yung
mga psychosocial, of course if it‘s caused by chemical imbalance
and a medical…‖
―Yun ang dapat ayusin kasi merong gamut na maibibigay doon pero
kapag ikaw ay pinanganak nang bulag o di nakakakita—kamukha
ko, I‘m a very very good example, there‘s nothing to fix because
that‘s beyond our control. Hindi na po natin maaayos yun. We just
have to live with it. Kailangan lang na mabuhay ka ng matiwasay na
64
condition is
psychosocial.
Key informant is
visually impaired.
There is nothing to
fix in PWDs, they
just have to accept
and live with it.
Disappearance of
the discrimination
and the stigma starts
with different PWD
advocates.
matanggap mo ang iyong kapansanan at gumawa ka ng paraan para
ma-overcome moa ng iyong kapansanan.‖
―if it‘s medical, we can either work with it or fix some with it.
Kapagka naman yung programa ng accessibility or yung
pagtanggap…ng society sa aming mga may kapansanan ay dapat
ayusin kasi right now ay stigma. Ang iba kasi, ang mga taong may
kapansanan ay hindi natatanggap kaagad. Kinukutsa. Pero salamat
mga katropa ay marami na tayong advocates as I‘ve said ng para sa
taong may kapansanan kaya unti-unting nawawala na yung stigma
ngayon, nababawasan sapagkat meron naming taong lumalaban para
sa sektor ng may kapansanan at snasabi nilang, ‗teka lang muna,
hindi niyo kami dapat kaawaan sapagkat kami ay hindi inutil o hindi
kami walang silbi sa sosyalidad o sa society, noh, and we have a lot
of purpose and we can prove ourselves that we are better or we can
do much much more for the society of this country‘‖
PW
D
AW
AR
EN
ES
S
AN
D R
IGH
TS
Not all PWDs are
aware of their rights
due to lack of PWD
centered programs
Priority of PWDs
are their livelihood
―Ang feeling ko, hindi lahat ng persons with disability ay pamilyar
sa rights nila dahil…hindi lahat ng taong may kapansanan ay mataas
ang pinag-aralan para pagtuunang pansin itong mga bagay na ito
dahil, number one po ay kulang tayo ng awareness program.
Number two, karamihan po ng persons with disabilities, may
problema po sa pangkabuhayan na nila. So, hindi po siyempre ang
focus nila or ang atensyon nila ay mas mapupunta dito.‖
DIF
FIC
UL
TIE
S
DU
RIN
G
EL
EC
TIO
N
Lack of
accessibility
especially for
PWDs with ortho
impairments
Lack of Braille
Ballots
―Ma‘am [REDACTED] mentioned before that yung mga voting
polls, walang accessibility kaya hindi makapunta ang mga katropa
nating may… kapansanan sa ortho. Tapos ang feeling ko pa…hindi
tayo equipped. If you‘re blind, if you‘re visually impaired, ewan ko
kung meron nang braille for us to be able to vote.‖
[unable to answer a question because the interviewee had migrated
to the US and did not vote during the 2016 nor barangay elections]
IMP
LE
ME
N-
TA
TIO
N O
F
RA
10366
Full implementation
could be achieved if
the COMELEC and
advocates can look
more into solutions
―Ang mga sinasabi naman ng eskwela, yun ay inevitable o hindi
maiiwasan. So, I‘m sure na magagawan ng paraan yan with the help
of everybody. Hopefully, COMELEC will look into it much more
and, yun na nga, yung mga nag-aadvocate for persons with
disability, hopefully ay magawan ng paraan para maresolba ang
suliranin nay an.‖
AC
CE
SS
IBL
E
PO
LL
ING
PL
AC
ES
Participation by
voting can lead to
more PWD voter‘s
rights and voices
―Of course, nothing is perfect in this world…Pero malaking bagay
na magkakaron ng participation ang mga persons with disabilities sa
pagboboto o pagpili ng ating…mga mamumuno sa ating bayan
sapagkat malalaman nila na merong pangangaylangan ang sector na
ito especially a lot of things: pangkabuhayan, number one, ang
kaalaman sa edukasyon sa education, accessibility—napakaraming
mga tinalakay na dito sa ating programa kung ano ang mga dapat
solusyunan pang mga suliranin ng taong may kapansanan.‖
E F F E C T S
O F
S O CI
A L
B A R RI
E R S
A N D
DI
F F E R E N T
B A R RI
E R S The Philippines is
not a well-off
Actually, napaka lalim na isyu yan. Because it depends on whose
eyes are you asking, you know, what their feelings are kasi syempre
65
country that can
prioritize the
minority groups
Each has different
agendas that makes
the country divided
Change can start
with unity and
understanding of
different PWD
sectors for the PWD
voices be louder and
be heard
ang pamahalaan, ang sasabihin nila ay oo napapagtuunan sila pero
ang grassroots naman, sasabihin nila, of course hindi.‖
―Sa dami kasi ng problema, hindi ganon kadali. I don‘t blame
anybody kasi…I have interviewed everyone—whether it‘s the
political side, on the persons with disabilities‘ side, on the…would
you say the government‘s side—sa totoo lang, lahat merong
suliranin sapagkat hindi po kami nagkikita-kita.‖
―Para siya mag-work out, kailangang magkaisa muna e. pero kung
naghahati-hati tayo, we will continuously have a proble. Unang-una,
tayo ay…hindi tayo mayamang bansa. Hindi natin kaya ang mga
modernization na meron ang ibang bansa. Pangalawa, meron tayong
sarili nating agenda, hindi natin syempre… we cannot speak for the
whole entire persons with disabilities. Sana, kung magiging feeling
natin ay tayo ay magkakaroon ng pagkakaisa, magkakaagapay
tayong mga persons with disabilities, mas magkakaboses tayo kaysa
sa kanya-kanya kasi syempre pagka…kumbaga sa magkakapatid,
kung kayo magkakapatid, as a whole ay pupunta kayo sa iyong mga
magulang at sasabihin niyong ‗kailangan namin to,‘ mas
mapapakinggan kayo. Pero kung pupunta si [] at pupunta ka na
separately, syempre unang una meron nang division ng time ng
parents niyo. Pangalawa, hindi rin naka-focus kasi syempre meron
kang sariling hinihiling. Meron siyang sariling hinihiling…Mas kaya
ko pinapanawagan sa ating mga may kapansanan: magkaisa tayo,
isang boses tayo, para tayo po ay mas mapakinggan.‖
IMP
RO
VE
ME
NT
ON
VO
TIN
G
EX
PE
RIE
NC
E F
OR
PW
DS
Educate on how to
assist PWDs
through the right
process and
approach
COMELEC should
conduct audits if
precincts implement
the rules and
regulations
That is what I was talking with DSWD yesterday. Ang sa tingin ko,
kulang ang implementasyon sapagkat kulang ang kaalaman. We
need to educate. Kailangan po nating bigyan ng awareness. Talagang
massive. When I say massive, pangkalawakan, okay, na kaalaman
ang mga taong walang kapansanan papano ipapatupad ang mga
batas, okay. So we need to educate more people kamukha nga ng
mga nasa polling posts—educate sila, bigyan sila ng kaalaman kung
paano iaasist ang mga persons with disabilities para sila ay yung sila
ay bumoboto, para sa kanila ay maging madali ang proseso. Number
two ay syempre, kung tayo ay pupunta sa local government, sa
comelec, all that stuff, para sabihin na siguraduhin na bigyan talaga
ng first floor voting places ang persons with disabilities, bigyan ng
akomodasyon ang pangangailangan ng taong may kapansanan sa
pagboboto, sa tingin ko yoon ay napakalaking bagay.
SE
PA
RA
TE
PR
EC
INC
T
The solution
promotes further
discrimination
Actually, I wouldn‘t do that kasi ang ineencourage na ngayon ng
ating society ay inclusion. If you‘re going to do that, that is frankly
discriminatory. That is in my eyes. Kasi, ayun nanaman. Segregated
nanaman. Yan nanaman ay hindi pagkakaisa. Marginalization
nanaman yan. So dapat lang, like what I suggested, be sure to
monitor, okay? Na meron nang first floor voting place dun sa
eskwelahan nay un, at kung kailangan na tulungan ang isang visually
impaired, that‘s all. Assistance.
66
Mrs. Mary Ann Evangelista-Gorrez is an advocate of PWD rights and a radio host of
DWDD Katropa Radio program ―Katropa Para sa May Kapansanan‖. She is also a PWD herself,
as she is legally blind. The interview with the key informant gave insight as to the sentiments of
PWDs and PWD advocates. First is her perspective on disability. She confirmed the reviewed
literature, in that it is important to evaluate the social aspect of disability and discrimination.
People with disabilities are not disabled—they are people who happen to have a
disability. They are not rendered completely useless just because of their impairments. As far as
persons with disabilities are concerned, there is nothing to fix, unless their medical condition is
psychosocial, for example, which is caused by a chemical imbalance. As she said, ―That
(disability) is beyond our control; we just have to live with it. You have to live your life and
accept your disability and find a way to overcome that disability.‖
If it‘s a medical matter, there may be some aspects that can be fixed. If it‘s the program
on accessibility or acceptance of society towards PWDs, what needs to be fixed is the stigma.
Other people do not easily accept PWD but because of the increasing number of advocates,
gradually, that stigma will be erased. These advocates, according to the key informant, will voice
out that PWDs are not useless in society. ―We have a lot of purpose and we can prove ourselves
that we are better or we can do much, much more for the society of this country,‖ said the key
informant.
According to the key informant, the OIC director of National Council on Disability
Affairs had said that there should be accessibility in voting for PWDs because all people have the
right to vote—disability should not be an obstacle to exercise that right. Not all persons with
disability are familiar with their rights because, unfortunately, not all PWDs are highly educated
because (1) we lack awareness programs, and (2) a lot of PWDs have a problem in terms of
67
livelihood so their rights are not their focus. The lack of accessibility is a problem especially for
those who have ortho impairments. Also, we are not equipped. The key informant remarks that,
―if you‘re blind—if you‘re visually impaired—ewan ko kung meron nang braille for us to be
able to vote.‖
Eliminating the physical and social barriers will be a huge help to resolve the problems of
electoral participation because the voice of each person with disability will reach their elected
officials and politicians will know that they have a voice, they have rights and they all have to
take this into consideration. The key informant stated that it is a big thing for PWDs to
participate, to vote, and to choose the leaders of the country so that they will find out the
situation of the sector especially in terms of livelihood, education, accessibility, etc.
The key informant noted that the implementation of disability policy is lacking because
awareness is lacking. What is needed is to 1) educate people on how to assist PWDs and how to
make the process easier, and 2) make sure that COMELEC follows up with precincts if they
follow the rules and regulations. Because the precincts are schools, not all precincts being
situated on the first floor is inevitable however it is still imperative that COMELEC find a way to
address this together with advocates of disability rights.
The key informant was also concerned that not all persons with disabilities are familiar
with their rights because, unfortunately, not all PWDs are highly educated to pay attention. Other
than the lack of awareness programs for PWDs, it is worth noting that a lot of PWDs have a
problem in terms of livelihood so it is to be expected that knowledge on their rights will not be
their focus.
When posed about the suggestion of PWDs voting in a separate precinct, she said that
this solution will only promote further discrimination. The key informant placed emphasis on
68
unity and understanding. Among the vital problems that the key informant pointed out is that the
Philippines is not a well-off country. Second, each has their own agenda. The community is
divided. If the community was unified, PWDs would have a louder voice. Unity—one voice—in
order to be heard.
Table 4. Findings: Atty. Jason Mendoza, a key informant
Themes PWD VOTERS COMELEC
Current Situation/
Needing Solution
Hindrance/
Constraints
Current Situation/
Needing Solution
Hindrance/
Constraints
RE
GIS
TR
AT
ION
PWD Voters need to
declare that they are
PWDs during
COMELEC
Registration. Some
may need to update
their information on
the COMELEC
database
PWD Voters tend
to miss out the
Annex forms
during registration.
This Annex form
is where they will
state their PWD
status or if they
will be needing
assistance during
elections.
Some forms may
have left out the
Annex forms that
need to be filled out
by PWDs
Photocopy budget
limitation and sometimes
no proper instructions
given to election
volunteers
Should know what
type of PWD they
are
They are not aware
that they need to
update with the
COMELEC once
their status has
changed to PWD
COMELEC
conducts a special
satellite registration
just for PWD and
SC at accessible
malls, nationwide
Only few registers
PWD voters doesn‘t
avail of the EAPP
program during
registration or
updating process
Some think that
when you‘re a
PWD voter, you‘re
automatically
registered under
the EAPP
program.
COMELEC gives
options to the voters
by asking them if
they would want to
sign up with the
EAPP program.
COMELEC
envisions a
provision for special
precinct every
election where
PWDs can get
COMELEC, though has a
more complete census of
the PWD community,
they are still unable to
estimate how many
special precincts should
be reserved.
69
information V
OT
ER
S’
CH
OIC
E Some choose to stay
on regular precinct
because they have
better assistance
there like they‘ll be
near the door
PWDs have
special lanes in
regular precinct
compared to a
special precinct
COMELEC
conducts Special
training for election
volunteers on PWD
assistance for
regular precinct
Reasonable
accommodation under
RA10366 does not
necessarily mean it‘s
solely for physical
barriers but it‘s more
comprehensive and covers
all types of reasonable
barriers.
Some choose the
special precinct
because of
convenience
Sectoral voting could be
surveyed here for all
PWD
PWDs, Senior
Citizens, and heavily
pregnant women
have a hard time go
up to higher floors
or floor with
different levels. But
would still need to
go because they
need to find their
precinct
Looking for their
names along the
voter‘s list should
be done before the
election. This list
is available at the
election officer‘s
office.
COMELEC
provides maps and
signage for easier
wayfinding
The voters should be
informed that they can
check their names and
precincts ahead of time.
INF
RA
ST
RU
CT
UR
E New public schools
under EASE project
(ensuring
accessibility school
election) will strictly
follow BP344
(Accessibility Law)
and the National
Building Code
EASE should be a
continuous program but
when a new leader comes
in, the project tends to
hold progress due to
transitions
COMELEC seeks
different
government and
NGOs like DPWH
for roadworks,
DepEd for school
precincts and other
stakeholders for
cooperation in
improving the
COMELEC is just a
coordinator, so if one
stakeholder is not being
prompt, COMELEC can
only follow up.
70
facilities once an
NGO audits the
accessibility features
of the facilities
Over population in
each precinct
Limited number of
precincts
COMELEC election
officers should look
for other feasible
voting centers,
conduct ocular
inspection along
with different
government and
non-government
sectors
The Precincts are not yet
updated because it still
uses the Barangay
Jurisdiction based on the
situation decades ago.
While members of the
barangay grow, the
barangay gets divided into
different sitios. And these
sitios should be the basis
of the jurisdictions.
The second key informant, Atty. Jason Mendoza, works under the office of COMELEC
Commissioner Luie Tito Guia. He was also with another resource speaker who gave information
but asked not to be named in the study.
The key informant stressed as soon as the interview started that the elections are not a
one-day event. Instead, the day of the elections is the culmination of the year-long preparation of
the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). He explained the multiple initiatives that
COMELEC has done in order to accommodate the PWD and senior citizen voters and the
constraints that they face. He also took into consideration what PWD voters have to accomplish
and the hindrances to it.
The first major point is the registration process, which he notes is the most important
element to the elections because this is where voters declare if they need any special assistance.
PWDs are encouraged to declare themselves so or update their information to indicate that they
have a disability and that they need assistance and what type of assistance they require. Since not
all precincts are accessible, COMELEC gives options to the voters by asking them if they would
want to sign up for the Emergency Accessible Polling Places (EAPP) program.
71
An EAPP is a temporary polling place at the ground floor or outside of a voting center
where PWDs, senior citizens, and heavily pregnant women can vote. However, PWD voters
tended to miss out the Annex forms during registration. This Annex form is where they will state
their PWD status or if they will be needing assistance during elections. Since people can acquire
impairments and not just be born with it, some are not aware that they need to update their
information with COMELEC once their status has changed to PWD.
Some PWD voters also did not avail of the Emergency Accessible Polling Places (EAPP)
program during the registration or updating process for personal reasons, attributed to PWDs‘
perception of themselves. Another reason is that some assume that they are automatically
registered under the EAPP program. The key informant also acknowledged lapses on the part of
COMELEC. Some forms may have left out the Annex forms that need to be filled out by PWDs
due to a limitation in the budget for photocopies. It can also be attributed to the lack of proper
instructions given to election volunteers.
In order to address this problem, COMELEC conducts a special satellite registration just
for PWDs and senior citizens at malls nationwide. Malls were chosen because these are often
accessible infrastructures, as they have clear and numerous signages, ramps, elevators, and direct
transportation. Unfortunately, there are only few PWD and SC registrants so it is opened for all.
COMELEC envisions a provision for special precinct every election where PWDs can get this
information. However, in order to set up EAPPs, COMELEC must be able to know which voting
centers have the greatest number of PWDs, thus those which need the EAPPs. Though
COMELEC has a more complete census of the PWD community than other census
organizations, it still can‘t declare the amount of PWDs in a community. They are unable to
estimate how many special precincts should be reserved. All of these deal with the registration
72
process, and although no further elaboration will be provided as it is not within the scope of the
study, it is included in the recommendations section of the paper.
The next theme revolved around the choice of the voters. According to the key informant,
some PWDs chose to stay in a regular precinct because they had better assistance there. PWDs
had special lanes in regular precincts compared to a special precinct. Some choose the special
precinct because of convenience.
On the part of COMELEC, the commission conducts special training for election
volunteers on PWD assistance for the regular precinct. Reasonable accommodation under
RA10366 does not necessarily mean it‘s solely for physical barriers but it‘s more comprehensive
and covers all types of reasonable barriers, which includes social barriers. A constraint that the
key informant was wary about is that sectoral voting could be surveyed here for PWD votes.
They may become targeted for their votes.
The researcher posed the occurrence that PWDs, senior citizens, and heavily pregnant
women have a hard time go up to higher floors or floor with different levels, but would still need
to go to these floors to find their precinct. The key informant said that voters may look for their
names in voters list before the election. This list is available at the election officer‘s office. There
are, of course, still concerns that people may not know or that the area is inaccessible, thus would
have difficulty doing so. COMELEC provides maps and signages for easier wayfinding but
voters should be informed that they can check their names and precincts ahead of time.
Lastly, infrastructure was also a concern relayed by the key informant during the
interview. The key informant mentioned that new public schools under EASE project (ensuring
accessibility school election) will strictly follow BP344 (Accessibility Law) and the National
Building Code, which will help in the accessibility problem faced by PWDs. A constraint,
73
however, is that EASE should be a continuous program but when a new leader comes in, the
project tended to hold progress due to transitions. Continuity is a difficulty because of changes in
leadership.
COMELEC also seeks different government and NGOs like DPWH for roadworks,
DepEd for schools precincts and other stakeholders for cooperation in improving the facilities
once an NGO audits the accessibility features of the facilities. A constraint is that COMELEC is
just a coordinator, so if one stakeholder is not being prompt, COMELEC can only follow up.
Another concern in the elections is overpopulation in each precinct, but COMELEC
acknowledges the reality that there are only a limited number of precincts available. According
to the key informant, COMELEC election officers should look for other feasible voting centers,
conduct ocular inspection along with different government and non-government sectors. An
interesting constraint that the key informant voiced out is that the precincts are not yet updated.
The Philippines still uses the ‗Barangay‘ as the jurisdiction but this is based on the situation
decades ago. While members of the barangay grow, the barangay gets divided into different
‗sitios‘. These smaller units should be the basis of the jurisdictions instead.
Analysis of the Data
Having analyzed the data, the researcher took note of the effectiveness of policy
implementation of RA 10366 and whether or not it affected the electoral participation of PWDs.
The tentative answer of the study was that ineffective implementation of this law resulted as an
obstacle for PWDs which discourages them to exercise their right to suffrage. The theoretical
framework used in the study was the Social Model of Disability which considers disability as the
failure of society to provide the necessary needs and services of PWDs. This leads to the
74
systematic discrimination of PWDs as a group throughout society. The factors that contributed to
the tentative answer, as seen in the conceptual framework of the study, are the provisions of RA
10366 with regard to accessibility during the election day—including both physical and social
barriers. Based on the data gathered, the tentative answer was disproved by the data gathered
from the PWDs and BEIs interviewed while the key informants affirmed the common themes in
the literature.
The following are the major findings of the study:
Difficulties during the Elections
Four (4) out of the ten (10) PWDs interviewed said that they did not experience any
problems during the elections and four (4) out of eight (8) BEIs did not observe any PWDs
experience problems during the elections. The problems that were more frequently cited by the
rest of the PWD and BEI respondents were about the long lines, waiting time, missing names
from the voters‘ list.
Participation of PWDs
Despite the occurrence of the problems stated, nine (9) out of the ten (10) PWDs
interviewed never failed to vote during any of the elections. One was not able to vote in the 2016
elections because of personal reasons rather than due to the elections itself.
Evaluation of RA 10366
A more in-depth look at the contents of the law with regard to accessibility, assistance,
and discrimination shows that not all of the provisions are being implemented effectively. Some
75
PWDs have experienced voting on the second floor of polling places, some claimed there were
no waiting areas or express lanes, and some were not given priority. All PWDs and BEIs did not
see any assistive devices, However, more of the respondents are satisfied with the elections. The
consensus among PWD respondents that they received adequate assistance and did not
experience discrimination during the elections.
Discrimination Outside of the Elections
The lack of discrimination that PWDs experience during the elections is in stark contrast
with the discrimination they do experience in their day-to-day lives. The PWDs interviewed were
vocal about this.
Perception of PWDs
PWDs‘ perception of themselves is shaped by how people interact with them. A majority
do not want to be pitied and would rather be understood by people, hoping for genuine care or at
the very least, be treated on equal ground.
Effectiveness of RA 10366
The BEIs are unanimous in that the law was effectively implemented. The PWDs are
more varied in their answers but range from it being successfully implemented, partially
implemented, or not implemented well but it falls mostly on the positive side.
PWD-Friendly Elections
76
A significant number of PWDs and all of the BEIs interviewed view the Philippine
elections as PWD-friendly. However, according to the key informants, there is still room for
improvement.
PWD Rights and Legislation
The majority, if not all of the PWDs and BEIs interviewed had little no knowledge on RA
10366. Majority also have no access to this information. Some PWDs mentioned that they had
no interest in learning about these. PWDs are more familiar with the existence of policies that
they can financially benefit from, but they are aware of their right to vote.
One of the key informants said that not all PWDs are aware of their rights due to lack of
PWD centered programs and that most of the PWDs‘ priority is their livelihood.
Improving Implementation
If the PWDs of different sectors can cooperate as one organization and present to the
COMELEC their needs and suggestions, the COMELEC can plan better solutions. The initiative
of PWD voters in registering and updating their information are crucial steps for the COMELEC
to attend to the needs of PWDs. The promotion of these steps nationwide through information
dissemination will pave better service for them. Implementing rules and regulations by
COMELEC can be strictly practiced by having an auditing and monitoring body on the ground
before and during the election.
Conclusion
It is with great caution that this research gives a generalization for assessing the electoral
participation of persons with disabilities in Cavite. This is due to the constraints of the study, that
77
being the PWDs and BEIs interviewed belonged to only a few barangays from select
municipalities in the province. The key informants also gave answers on a national scale rather
than focusing on the province itself. The availability of respondents also played a major role in
this. Nevertheless, the findings of the study still hold relevance today.
The main goal of this research was to provide a discourse on the effectiveness of the RA
10366 in its goal of providing precinct accessibility and increased electoral participation for
PWDs. This was done by learning the experience of PWDs, BEIs, and two key informants. This
was done through interviews with PWDs from different municipalities in Cavite, teachers who
served as BEIs during the 2016 elections, as well as in-depth interviews with Mrs. Mary Ann
Evangelista-Gorrez and Atty. Jason Mendoza, key informants for the study. Mrs. Mary Ann is a
PWD rights advocate and radio host of a disability program while Atty. Jason works in the office
of COMELEC Commissioner Luie Guia.
In relation to the data that has been gathered, the elections were deemed by PWDs and
BEIs as PWD-friendly as a significant number of PWDs interviewed recounted mostly positive
experiences during the elections. Aside from this, the BEIs were properly trained and oriented
about how to handle individuals with disabilities. While some of the participants, both PWD and
BEI alike, do see complications in the elections, they are satisfied with it. PWDs and BEIs
consider the implementation of RA 10366 as effective despite some provisions not being
followed. The key informants, however, notes that there are still so much lacking in terms of
implementation, awareness, education, and unity. Without first addressing the social barriers that
PWDs experience, implementation cannot be effective.
In conclusion, going back to the tentative answer of the research posed in Chapter 1, it is
not necessarily the ineffective implementation of PWD policies observed through the PWDs‘
78
experiences during the 2016 elections which serves as a barrier that discourages them to exercise
their right to vote. In fact, based on the findings of this study, the PWDs involved in this research
were not discouraged at all. But, the lack of awareness of the general population, not just PWDs,
as well as dissemination of information, affect the effectiveness of policy implementation
greatly. Aside from this, the divided nature of the community of PWDs plays a part in their
voices failing to be heard and that what is needed is for them to unite to advocate for their rights.
Government action, the cooperation of organizations, and voter responsibility, information
dissemination, and cooperation between all parties involved are all important in order to improve
the implementation of not just RA 10366 but all legislation regarding PWDs.
Recommendations
Accessibility was evaluated based on the contents of RA 10366 but based on the BEIs
and PWDs interviewed, free transport was provided to PWDs during the election day. A
suggestion would be to look into this and possibly include transport to and from polling places in
evaluating accessibility.
Another recommendation is to take the registration process into consideration in the
study, or have an evaluation of the registration process and make use of the elections as the
evaluation of the entirety of RA 10366 or the effectiveness of government and NGO initiatives.
Further, it is recommended that advocacy be further looked into as it is not only a trend in
the literature but it is also seemingly an important aspect of gaining rights and achieving
inclusivity.
79
In line with the theme of unity, it is also recommended that not only PWDs with physical
or sensory disability be interviewed but include those who have other types or multiple
impairments.
Lastly, a recommendation by one of the key informants is to study the concept of ‗hiya‘
of not just PWDs but also their family members (for example, being gossiped about) as a
deterrent in voting.
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Appendices
Appendix A – Copy of Letter of Informed Consent for PWDs (English)
84
Informed Consent Form for PWDs (English)
This informed consent form is for PWDs who are registered voters in Cavite who we are
inviting to participate in research, titled ―Policy, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Assessing the
Electoral Participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Cavite”.
Principal Investigator: Alexa Richmay S. Gandia
Name of Organization: University of the Philippines Manila—Department of Social Sciences
Name of Sponsor: Dr. Josefina Tayag
Good day!
I am Alexa Richmay S. Gandia, a political science student at the University of the
Philippines Manila. I am currently doing my undergraduate thesis on the electoral participation
of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). I am going to give you information and invite you to be
part of this research. You do not have to decide today whether or not you will participate in the
research. However, I would need your reply by March 21, 2019. Before you decide, you can
approach me to talk about this research in a more detailed manner. Should this informed consent
form include words that you do not understand, please do not hesitate to approach me. Feel free
to stop me as we go through the information, and I will take time to explain in a more detailed
manner. If you have questions later, you can reach me through sending a text message to my
number (0995-723-0314), or you can e-mail me (asgandia@up.edu.ph).
This research will assess the electoral participation of PWDs in terms of policy
implementation during the 2016 elections. To do this, I will have to interview you about your
experience in the Philippine elections, particularly the 2016 elections. Although the research is
about a vulnerable population (PWDs), no vulnerable or highly controversial questions will be
85
asked. Participation in this interview is purely voluntarily. It is your choice if you will participate
or not.
The procedures for this data gathering will be of a purely interview method. Interviews
will be done upon the availability of the participant. This will be done one-on-one and will only
transpire for a maximum of 1 hour. Data gathering procedures in this study, with your
permission, will be recorded through a voice recorder. All of these will take place where it is
most convenient to you. Should you be unavailable to meet for a physical interview, you may opt
for a phone interview. You may contact me or tell me in person when and where you are free for
the interviews. I will provide guide questions ahead of time for a smooth-flowing discussion.
Although the data gathered will be used for the research, we will not disclose any information
regarding your identity. Your name will be replaced with a number and only I will know your
identity.
The data collected will be kept safely by the principal researcher, myself. Copies of the
collected data will be stored in three places: (1) the researcher‘s laptop, (2) the researcher‘s hard
drive, and (3) uploaded to the researcher‘s Google Drive account. I assure you that all the data
collected from this will be used for research purposes only. The data collected will be destroyed
after the academic year of 2018-2019, on the month of June 2019.
However, I must warn you that I will ask questions regarding your views and opinions on
your community as PWDs, your electoral participation as well as your experience in the
implementation of the policies geared toward you. Thus, this may be confidential information
and you may feel uncomfortable sharing this. The research will also have no direct benefit to
you, but your participation will be of great help in producing literature on PWDs. You will not
be given incentives to take part in this research, however, I will provide for your travel expenses,
if there should be any.
Should you feel uncomfortable, or you would like to withdraw from the research for any
reason, please do tell me. You are allowed to stop taking part in this research at any point of this
research. Should the data gathering method be done, and you would like your opinions and views
taken out of the data, please do say so.
Certificate of Consent
86
I have read the foregoing information, or it has been read to me. I have had the
opportunity to ask questions about it and any question I have asked has been answered to my
satisfaction. I consent voluntarily to be a participant in this study.
Print Name of Participant: _____________________________
Signature of Participant: _______________________________
Date: ________________
Signature of Researcher/Person taking consent: _____________________
If illiterate:
I have witnessed the accurate reading of the consent form to the potential participant, and the
individual has had the opportunity to ask questions. I confirm that the individual has given
consent freely.
Print name of witness: ____________________________
Signature of witness: _____________________________
Thumb print of participant: ______________
Signature of Researcher/Person taking consent: ______________________
Date: ________________
Appendix B – Copy of Letter of Informed Consent for PWDs (Filipino)
87
Informed Consent Form para sa mga PWDs
Ang informed consent form na ito ay para sa mga taong may kapansanan na rehistradong
botante sa Cavite na inaanyayahan naming lumahok sa pananaliksik na nagngangalang, ―Policy,
Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Assessing the Electoral Participation of Persons with Disabilities
(PWDs) in Cavite”.
Pangunahing Mananaliksik: Alexa Richmay S. Gandia
Pangalan ng Organisasyon: University of the Philippines Manila—Department of Social
Sciences
Pangalan ng Sponsor: Dr. Josefina Tayag
Magandang araw po!
Ako po ay si Alexa Richmay S. Gandia, isang mag-aaral sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas sa
Maynila na kumukuha ng kursong Political Science. Ako po ay nagsusulat ng aking
undergraduate thesis ukol sa electoral participation ng mga taong may kapansanan o PWDs.
Iniimbitahan ko po kayong lumahok sa aking pananaliksik. Hindi niyo po kinakailangang
magdesisyon sa araw na ito. Subalit, kinakailangan ko po ang inyong sagot bago o sa ika-21 ng
Marso, taon ng 2019. Kung ang informed consent form po na ito ay may mga salitang hindi
niyo maintindihan, huwag po kayong mangambang lumapit at magtanong sa akin. Maaari niyo
rin po akong abisuhan na huminto habang ipinapaliwanag ko po ang laman ng consent form, at
ang laman nito ay ipapaliwanag ko po sa mas detalyadong paraan. Kung kayo po ay may tanong,
maaari niyo po akong i-text sa 0995-723-0314 o magpadala po ng e-mail sa
asgandia@up.edu.ph.
Ang pananaliksik po na ito ay ukol sa partisipasyon ng mga taong may kapansanan sa
pagboto sa pamamagitan ng implementasyon ng polisiya noong eleksyon 2016. Upang gawin ito,
kayo po ay tatanungin ko tungkol sa inyong mga karanasan sa mga nakaraang halalan, partikular
88
noong taong 2016. Bagama‘t ang pananaliksik na ito ay tungkol po sa mga mamamayang may
kapansanan, wala pong vulnerable o kontrobersyal na mga tanong sa panayam. Ang paglahok po
sa panayam na ito ay kusang-loob at may karapatan po kayo na tumanggi kung nanaisin niyo po.
Ang panuntunan ng pangangalap ng datos ay naaayon po sa paraang direkta at purong
pagtatanong. Ito ay magaganap po alinsunod sa takda at panahon na naaayon sa kalahok. Ang
panayam po na ito ay isahang gaganapin at tatagal lamang sa loob ng isang oras. Ako rin po ay
humihingi ng pahintulot sa paggamit ng voice recorder habang ginaganap ang panayam. Lahat
po ng ito ay magaganap kung saan pinaka maginhawa para sa inyo. Kung kayo po ay hindi
maaaring makipagkita para sa panayam ay maaari po itong gawin sa tawag. Maaari niyo po
akong sabihan kung saan at kailan niyo po gustong maganap ang panayam. Ako po ay
magbibigay ng listahan ng aking mga katanungan bago maganap ang panayam upang maging
mabilis at organisado ang diskusyon. Ang makakalap po na datos ay gagamitin lamang sa
pananaliksik at anumang personal na impormasyon ay hindi po isasama dito. Ang pangalan niyo
po ay papalitan ng numero at ako lamang po ang makakaalam sa iyong pagkakakilanlan.
Ang datos po na makakalap ay mananati po na lihim at nasa pangangalaga ng
mananaliksik. Ang kopya po nito ay matatagpuan lamang sa tatlong lugar: (1) sa laptop ng
mananaliksik, (2) hard drive ng mananaliksik, at (3) uploaded sa Google Drive account ng
mananaliksik. Sinisigurado ko po na lahat ng makokolektang datos galling sa panayam ay
gagamitin lamang po sa pananaliksik na. Ang datos ay sisirain po makalipas ang taunang klase
ng 2018-2019, sa buwan ng Hunyo.
Maaari ko lamang po na kayo ay paalalahanan na ako'y magtatanong ukol sa inyong
opinyon sa komunidad na inyong kinabibilangan, maging ang karanasan niyo po sa mga
nakaraang halalan at sa implementasyon ng polisiya para sa pagboto po ng mga taong may
kapansanan. Kung sakaling mayroon po kayong kompidensyal na opinyon o mga opinyong hindi
kayo komportableng ibahagi sa panayam, maaari niyo pong ipaalam sa akin na iliban po ito sa
pananaliksik. Ang pananaliksik na ito ay wala pong direktang pakinabang sa inyo ngunit ang
inyong paglalahok ay makakatulong po sa pagdagdag sa literatura ukol sa mga PWDs. Wala
pong kaakibat na panganib ang paglahok sa pananaliksik na ito. Kayo rin po ay hindi mabibigyan
ng insentibo para sa inyong partisipasyon ngunit ako po ay magbibigay ng pamasahe kung
sakaling mayroon sa papunta sa itinakdang lugar.
89
Maaari niyo po akong sabihan kung kayo ay maging hindi komportable o nais niyo pong tumigil
sa paglahok sa panananaliksik. Kayo po ay maaring tumigil sa kahit anong punto sa
pananaliksik—maging bago ang panayam, sa kalagitnaan ng panayam, o kahit matapos na po
ang panayam. Maaari niyo rin pong sabihin kung nais niyo pong tanggalin ang ilan sa inyong
mga sinabi sa panayam.
Sertipiko ng Pagsang-ayon
Sumasang-ayon ako na binasa ko o binasa ng malakas para sa akin ang mga nakaraang
impormasyon sa informed consent form na ito. Ako ay nagkaroon ng pagkakatanong sabihin ang
aking mga tanong at ang mga ito ay sapat na nasagot ng mananaliksis. Kusang-loob akong
pumapayag na maging kalahok ng pananaliksik na ito.
Print Name ng Kalahok: _____________________________
Pirma ng Kalahok: _______________________________
Petsa: ________________
Pirma ng Mananaliksik/Taong kumukuha ng Pagsang-ayon: _____________________
Kung hindi nakakabasa, nakakapagsulat, o hindi nakakakita:
Ako ay saksi sa tamang pagbasa ng informed consent form sa potensyal na kalahok at
siya ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataong makapagtanong ukol sa impormasyong sinabi ng
mananaliksik. Ako ay sumasang-ayon na siya ay malayang pumayag na maging kalahok ng
pananaliksik.
Pangalan ng Saksi: ____________________________
Pirma ng Saksi: _____________________________
Tatak ng Daliri ng Kalahok: ______________
Pirma ng Mananaliksik/Taong kumukuha ng Pagsang-ayon: _____________________
Petsa: ________________
90
Appendix C – Copy of Letter of Informed Consent for Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs)
Informed Consent Form for BEIs during the 2016 elections
This informed consent form is for participants who served as Board of Election
Inspectors (BEI) during the 2016 elections who we are inviting to participate in research, titled
―Policy, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Assessing the Electoral Participation of Persons with
Disabilities (PWDs) in Cavite”.
Principal Investigator: Alexa Richmay S. Gandia
Name of Organization: University of the Philippines Manila—Department of Social Sciences
Name of Sponsor: Dr. Josefina Tayag
Good day!
I am Alexa Richmay S. Gandia, a political science student at the University of the
Philippines Manila. I am currently doing my undergraduate thesis on the electoral participation
of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). I am going to give you information and invite you to be
part of this research. You do not have to decide today whether or not you will participate in the
research. However, I would need your reply by March 16, 2019. Before you decide, you can
approach me to talk about this research in a more detailed manner. Should this informed consent
form include words that you do not understand, please do not hesitate to approach me. Feel free
to stop me as we go through the information, and I will take time to explain in a more detailed
manner. If you have questions later, you can reach me through sending a text message to my
number (0995-723-0314), or you can e-mail me (asgandia@up.edu.ph).
This research will assess the electoral participation of PWDs in terms of policy
implementation during the 2016 elections. To do this, I will have to interview you about your
experience in facilitating the Philippine elections, particularly the 2016 elections. Although the
research is about a vulnerable population (PWDs), no vulnerable or highly controversial
91
questions will be asked. Participation in this interview is purely voluntarily. It is your choice if
you will participate or not.
The procedures for this data gathering will be of a purely interview method. Interviews
will be done upon the availability of the participant. This will be done one-on-one and will only
transpire for a maximum of 1 hour. Data gathering procedures in this study, with your
permission, will be recorded through a voice recorder. All of these will take place where it is
most convenient to you. Should you be unavailable to meet for a physical interview, you may opt
for a phone interview. You may contact me or tell me in person when and where you are free for
the interviews. I will provide guide questions ahead of time for a smooth-flowing discussion.
Although the data gathered will be used for the research, we will not disclose any information
regarding your identity. Your name will be replaced with a number and only I will know your
identity.
The data collected will be kept safely by the principal researcher, myself. Copies of the
collected data will be stored in three places: (1) the researcher‘s laptop, (2) the researcher‘s hard
drive, and (3) uploaded to the researcher‘s Google Drive account.. I assure you that all the data
collected from this will be used for research purposes only. The data collected will be destroyed
after the academic year of 2018-2019, on the month of June 2019.
However, I must warn you that I will ask questions regarding your views and opinions on
PWDs and their electoral participation as well as your experience in implementing policies
geared towards them. Thus, this may be confidential information and you may feel
uncomfortable sharing this. The research will also have no direct benefit to you, but your
participation will be of great help in producing literature on PWDs. You will not be given
incentives to take part in this research, however, I will provide for your travel expenses, if there
should be.
Should you feel uncomfortable, or you would like to withdraw from the research for any
reason, please do tell me. You are allowed to stop taking part in this research at any point of this
research. Should the data gathering method be done, and you would like your opinions and views
taken out of the data, please do say so.
92
Certificate of Consent
I have read the foregoing information, or it has been read to me. I have had the
opportunity to ask questions about it and any question I have asked has been answered to my
satisfaction. I consent voluntarily to be a participant in this study.
Print Name of Participant: _____________________________
Signature of Participant: _______________________________
Date: ________________
Signature of Researcher/Person taking consent: _____________________
If illiterate:
I have witnessed the accurate reading of the consent form to the potential participant, and the
individual has had the opportunity to ask questions. I confirm that the individual has given
consent freely.
Print name of witness: ____________________________
Signature of witness: _____________________________
Thumb print of participant: ______________
Signature of Researcher/Person taking consent: ______________________
Date: ________________
2
Appendix D – Copy of Letter of Informed Consent for KII
Informed Consent Form for Key Informant
This informed consent form is for the key informant who we are inviting to participate in
research, titled ―Policy, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Assessing the Electoral Participation of
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Cavite”.
Principal Investigator: Alexa Richmay S. Gandia
Name of Organization: University of the Philippines Manila—Department of Social Sciences
Name of Sponsor: Dr. Josefina Tayag
Good day!
I am Alexa Richmay S. Gandia, a political science student at the University of the
Philippines Manila. I am currently doing my undergraduate thesis on the electoral participation
of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). I am going to give you information and invite you to be
part of this research. You do not have to decide today whether or not you will participate in the
research. However, I would need your reply by March 16, 2019. Before you decide, you can
approach me or contact me to inquire about this research in a more detailed manner. Should this
informed consent form include words that you do not understand, please do not hesitate to
approach me. Feel free to stop me as we go through the information, and I will take time to
3
explain in a more detailed manner. If you have questions later, you can reach me through sending
a text message to my number (0995-723-0314), or you can e-mail me (asgandia@up.edu.ph).
This research will assess the electoral participation of PWDs in terms of policy
implementation during the 2016 elections. To do this, I will have to interview you about your
expert knowledge of the topic. Although the research is about a vulnerable population (PWDs),
no vulnerable or highly controversial questions will be asked. Participation in this interview is
purely voluntarily. It is your choice if you will participate or not.
The procedures for this data gathering will be of a purely interview method. Interviews
will be done upon the availability of the participant or key informant. This will be done one on
one and will only transpire for a maximum of 1 hour. Data gathering procedures in this study,
with your permission, will be recorded through a voice recorder. All of these will take place
where it is most convenient to you. You may contact me or tell me in person when and where
you are free for the interview.
The data collected will be kept safely by the principal researcher, myself. Copies of the
collected data will be stored in three places: (1) the researcher‘s laptop, (2) the researcher‘s hard
drive, and (3) uploaded to the researcher‘s Google Drive account. I assure you that all the data
collected from this will be used for research purposes only. The data collected will be destroyed
after the academic year of 2018-2019, on the month of June 2019.
However, I must warn you that I will ask questions regarding your views and opinions on
PWDs and their electoral participation as well as your experience in implementing policies
geared towards them. Thus, this may be confidential information and you may feel
uncomfortable sharing this. The research will also have no direct benefit to you, but your
participation will be of great help in producing literature on PWDs. There are no risks in
participating in the research. You will not be given incentives to take part in this research,
however, I will provide for your travel expenses, if there should be any.
4
Should you feel uncomfortable, or you would like to withdraw from the research for any
reason, please do tell me. You are allowed to stop taking part in this research at any point of this
research. Should the data gathering method be done, and you would like your opinions and views
taken out of the data, please do say so.
Certificate of Consent
I have read the foregoing information, or it has been read to me. I have had the
opportunity to ask questions about it and any question I have asked has been answered to my
satisfaction. I consent voluntarily to be a participant in this study.
Print Name of Participant: _____________________________
Signature of Participant: _______________________________
Date: ________________
Signature of Researcher/Person taking consent: _____________________
If illiterate or a vulnerable participant:
I have witnessed the accurate reading of the consent form to the potential participant, and the
individual has had the opportunity to ask questions. I confirm that the individual has given
consent freely.
I have witnessed the accurate reading of the consent form to the potential participant, and the
individual has had the opportunity to ask questions. I confirm that the individual has given
consent freely.
5
Print name of witness: ____________________________
Signature of witness: _____________________________
Signature or thumb print of participant: ______________
Signature of Researcher/Person taking consent: ______________________
Date: ________________
Statement by the researcher/person taking consent
I have accurately read out the information sheet to the potential participant, and to the best of my
ability made sure that the participant understands that the following will be done:
1. That the interview will be conducted voluntarily and the participant may stop at any time
they wish without any repercussions;
2. That there will be no incentive to the key informant‘s participation in the study;
3. That the researcher is the only one who will have access to the data acquired from the
interview, it will be kept safe and will only be used for research purposes, and that it will
be destroyed after the academic year of 2018-2019, on the month of June 2019;
4. And that because of the key informant‘s expertise on the subject, he or she will be cited
as an expert in the study.
I confirm that the participant was given an opportunity to ask questions about the study, and all
the questions asked by the participant have been answered correctly and to the best of my ability.
6
I confirm that the individual has not been coerced into giving consent, and the consent has been
given freely and voluntarily.
A copy of this ICF has been provided to the participant.
Print Name of Researcher/person taking the consent________________________
Signature of Researcher /person taking the consent__________________________
Date ___________________________
Day/month/year
7
Appendix E – Copy of Interview Questions for PWDs
Interview Questions (Filipino)
Ang listahan ng mga tanong na ito ay para sa isahang panayam sa mga taong may
kapansanan na kalahok ng pananaliksik na ito.
Kayo po ay maaaring sumagot sa Ingles o Filipino—sa kung aling wika kayo
komportable. Maaari niyo po akong tanungin tungkol sa kahit anong salita na hindi po kayo
pamilyar at ipapaliwanag ko po ito sa abot ng aking makakaya.
1. Bumoto po ba kayo noong eleksyon 2016?
2. Alam niyo po ba ang mga nilalaman ng RA 10366?
3. Mayroon po ba kayong naranasang problema habang kayo ay bumoboto? Ano po ang
mga ito?
4. Naranasan niyo po ba ito maging sa mga nakaraang eleksyon? (Maaari lamang po na
sabihin kung anong tiyak na mga problema ang umulit)
5. Mayroon po bang hindi na umulit? Ano po sa tingin niyo ang nakapagpabuti sa mga ito?
6. Nangyari na po bang hindi kayo bumoto sa eleksyon? Mayroon po ba itong kinalaman sa
mga naranasang problema sa presinto?
7. Ngayon at alam niyo na po ang laman ng RA 10366, sa tingin niyo po ba ay matagumpay
na naisakatuparan ang polisiyang ito?
8. Sa tingin niyo po ba ay PWD-friendly ang eleksyon 2016? Bakit po?
9. Sa tingin niyo po ba kayo ay maalam ukol sa mga karapatan niyo ayon sa batas, lalo na sa
pagboto?
10. Sa tingin niyo po ba ay alam ng inyong kapwa na PWD ang kanilang mga karapatan, lalo
na sa pagboto?
11. Sa tingin niyo po ba ay ang ganap na pagtanggal ng anumang pisikal na hadlang sa mga
presintong pinagbobotohan ay makaka-apekto sa paglahok ng mga PWD sa eleksyon? Sa
paanong paraan?
12. Sa inyong palagay, sa paanong paraan dapat pagtibayin ang pagkakasatuparan ang mga
polisiya upang maiwasang mangyari ang mga problemang naranasan ng mga PWD sa
mga nakaraang eleksyon na hindi maulit at magpatuloy sa mga susunod na eleksyon sa
bansa?
8
Appendix F– Copy of Interview Questions for BEIs
Interview Questions
This list of questions is for the one-on-one interviews for the participants who served as
Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) during the 2016 elections. You may answer the following
questions in either English or Filipino, whichever you are more comfortable with.
1. At what precinct in Cavite did you serve as a BEI during the 2016 elections?
2. Did your training include how to assist PWDs in voting?
3. Do you know the contents of RA 10366?
4. What were the difficulties experienced by Persons with Disability (PWDs) which you
observed during the 2016 elections, if any?
5. Did you find difficulty in assisting PWDs during the elections? In what way?
6. Do you think RA 10366 was effectively implemented?
7. Do you think the 2016 elections were PWD-friendly? Why or why not?
8. How should policy implementation be improved to address the problems encountered
during the 2016 elections by BEIs and PWDs alike?
Appendix I – Copy of Interview Questions for KII
Interview Questions
This list of questions is for the key informant interview (KII).
1. In what perspective do you understand disability? Is it in medical terms wherein
disability is seen as impairments that need to be treated and cared for, or, although it
involves health-related issues, as socially caused because of society stigmatizing PWDs
and creating physical and social barriers to hinder their full participation?
9
2. Do you think that PWDs are aware or knowledgeable about their rights, especially in
terms of suffrage?
3. What are the difficulties that PWDs face when voting?
4. Experience of PWDs and BEIs during the 2016 elections
5. What is your opinion on the effectiveness of policy implementation of the ff:
a. COMELEC Resolution No. 9485
b. RA 10366
6. Do you think the elimination of physical barriers and achieving accessibility in terms of
polling places will affect the participation of PWDs during elections? In what way?
7. According to the literature, social barriers are an overarching concept where physical
barriers is just a sub-topic.
a. Do you think that the government is successful in eliminating the physical barriers
that obstruct PWDs during elections?
b. What about the social barriers?
8. How should policy implementation be improved to address the problems encountered by
BEIs and PWDs alike during the 2016 elections and all other future elections in the
country?
10
Appendix I: Transcript of PWD Respondent #1 [PERCEPTION OF SELF AS PWD] “Nagsisisi ako kasi wala akong kumpyansa sa sarili ko. Nakakita ako ngayon ng PWD na nakagraduate sila, nakatapos sila, may mga… magandang pangalan… Ganoon. Hindi sa pag… Nakapagtapos naman ako pero umiiral talaga sakin yung kahiyaan. Wala akong self-confidence.” “Ay hindi na, matanda na ako.” “Hindi naman, ano lang, kung iisipin ko. Pero sa ngayon, kuntento na ako na ganito ako. Kahit papaano, nabibigyan ko naman yung mga anak ko.” “Kahit papaano naman, nakapag-aral ako hanggang first year college.” “Hindi naman pansinin ‘to eh. Kahit nung nag-aaral ako, hindi nila pansin ‘to eh. Kahit yung mister ko, hindi niya napansin na ganito ako.” [FREQUENCY OF VOTING] “Hindi yata, kasi nagbakasyon kami sa *REDACTED+. Taga *REDACTED+ kasi ako.” [PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED] “Minsan yung… yung mga botante, wala sa listahan. Nawawala yung mga pangalan namin. Tapos, kailangan pumunta ka pa dun sa pinaka original na record talaga para hanapin yung pangalan mo.” “Hindi naman.” [GROUND FLOOR] “Noong huling boto ko, sa second floor ako.” “Saang building ba yun…” “Sa grade 1. Sa *REDACTED+” “Noong huling botohan.” Sa barangay elections po? Nahirapan po ba kayong umakyat po? “Hindi naman” Mayroon po bang waiting area? “Meron din. Dun sa may… sa may pinaka high school. Meron naman.” Nagamit niyo po ba ito? Nakaupo po ba kayo dito? “Oo.”
11
[EXPRESS LANES] Mayroon po bang linya na pang-PWD lang po? Wala, sama-sama lang. Priority, senior di ba? Hindi. Ay, hindi po kayo naging priority? Hindi. So, pumila po kayo pero lahat po, kung babae man na buntis o senior, sa isa lang po? Oo. Kailan po ito? Lahat ng ano *eleksyon+… [ASSIST] Mayroon po ba kayong nakikitang mga nag-aassist po sa inyo? “Meron. Mga BEI.” [ASSISTIVE DEVICES] Mayroon po bang mga headphones o wheelchair na naka-tenga sa presinto, kung sakaling may mangailangan po? “Hindi ko napansin.” [OTHER REMARKS] Has experience being an election watcher Kasi noong bata-bata pa ako, nagwawatcher ako. Bago ayan, nagkaedad na ako, hindi na ako sumali. Di na kasi malinaw ang mata ko. [RA 10366] “Oo, narinig ko na pero hindi ko matandaan. Ano kasi ako, ma-ano na ang memorya ko. Madali akong makalimot.” *I explain the contents of the law+ [PERCEPTION OF RA 10366] “Yung iba, nasusunod. Yung iba, hindi.” [IMPROVEMENT TO RA 10366] “Kailangan i-ano talaga. Kung ano yung sinasabi, susundin talaga. Hindi yung sa… yung sa pulitika na… wag ganoon kasi sa kalaban natin yun. Yung ganoon.” Sa tingin niyo po, sino po ang dapat mag-ayos/implement nito? “Syempre, yung COMELEC. Yung BEI, igaguide nalang nila.” Sa tingin niyo po ba may pagkukulang sa pagpapatupad ng batas?
12
“Wala naman siguro *pagkukulang+ kaya lang yung pagtutupad ng mga nasa baba nila, sila yung parang… Gusto nilang sila ang nasusunod.” Sino po? “Yung mga konsehal, minsan napasok sa loob ng voters room. Yung sa botoohan na kwarto. Oo, napasok sila dyan. Doon sila nangangampanya.” [REASON FOR ABSTAINING FROM ELECTIONS] “Nung hindi pa ako naka-transfer dito sa Maynila kasi doon pa ako sa apo ko nakalista. Bago noong lumipat ako nag-aral pa ako ng konti, yun hindi ako nakaboto na.” [REASON FOR IMPROVEMENT] “Kasi may nagbabantay na ngayon na mga alagad ng batas kaya nag-lay low rin yung mga [gurgled] yung mga nang-aabot.” [PWD-FRIENDLY] “Ang sa akin, sa sarili *ko+, oo.” friendly [DISCRIMINATION] “Wala naman.” “Ay nanay bakit ganyan yung kamay mo?” “Yun lang sasabihin nila na wag kang ma-ano nanay kasi may mas grabe pa naman dito e” [KNOWLEDGE ON PWD RIGHTS AND LEGISLATION] “Hindi lahat.” “Halimbawa, nasa sasakyan ka. Kailangan nasa unahan ka. Nakaupo ka doon. Ikaw ang prioriting makaupo doon. Bago yung linya, may sarili kayong linya. Ganoon. Yung sa mga gamot gamot, yung may discount.” “Hindi ko alam kung mag-aaply pa ba o hindi [sa PWD card]. Tsaka mahiyain ako. Ayoko hangga’t sa maaaring malaman na ganito yung kamay ko. Ganito na ako noong bata pa ako.” Meron po ba kayong kakilala na PWD? *Isa lang ata? [KNOWLEDGE ON PWD RIGHTS AND LEGISLATION OF PWD PEERS] “Oo matalino yun eh. Nag-aral yun eh.” [ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON PWD RIGHTS AND LEGISLATION] “Wala akong alam sa cellphone. Kasi tinuturuan ako ng mga anak ko eh bobo na ako ngayon. Hindi ko matandaan.”
13
[INTEREST ON PWD RIGHTS AND LEGISLATION] May mapagtatanungan po ba kayo? “Naku, parang… Wala akong pakialam sa ano. Ewan ko ba sa sarili ko. Kasi sa sarili ko nga, nahihiya na ako.” “Hindi naman sa nagsisisi” “Ayoko yung kaawaan ako.” “May pagka-mayabang ako.” “Maganda naman. Lalo na yung ibang mga hindi masyadong mabilis(?) magsulat, mabagal sila, nagagalit yung mga walang kapansanan. ___ May gagawin pa kami sa bahay, ganun. Kaya kung separate, walang problema, di ba? Pare-parehong mabagal.” “Syempre katulad ng walang ganoon nga, kung hindi mo mapansin, madadapa ka. Tsaka yung pagod ka na, di ka manlang makaupo sa silya.” “Meron, yung mga medyo may edad na.” Paraan para mapagtibay: “Dapat mayroong pinaka presidente yung mga PWD…para ma-voice out niya yung mga nasa loob niya”
14
Appendix I: Transcript of PWD Respondent #2 [Frequency of voting] “Lahat po halos. Basta nagkaron ng eleksyon, naboto ako.” [Problems encountered during the 2016 elections] “Isang beses lang ako nagkaroon dito ng... last... 2016.” “Tinatanong ko siya… Yung kapitan ngayon, kung saan—kung anong kwan ako. Presinto. Kasi siyempre, eh nandon siya nakaupo sa pwesto ng mga kumukuha ng boto. Kung anong number. Yun lang. Yun lang ang naging karanasan ko. Yun lang pagkakataon na yun.” [Access to the precinct] “Nilalakad lang ang eskwelahan.” “Tong last akong bumoto, nagpasama nga ako noon eh gawa nang di ko na mabasa ang kwan.” “Ako kasi, ako eh... hindi pa ako umabot sa ganon na pumila sa PWD.” “Ang waiting area mo kasi yun nang pipilahan mo eh. Kung saang presinto ka nakapila hahaha yun na ang pinaka waiting area.” “Wala pa po akong nakikitang ganon na yung aakyat na ganun. Eh sa tingin ko naman eh wala pa akong nakikitang ... katulad yan na mga sinasabing waiting area yun na mismo ang ginagawa namin. Kasi kapag ikaw pumila, maiiwanan ka eh. Dapat pag umalis ka sa lugar mo na iyon, edi kumbaga yung sumusunod sa'yo na susunod…” “Dapat naandoon ka. Pero ok naman.” [Second floor] “Kaya lang ako nakakaakyat doon kasi pag naghahanap ng mga precinct number. Kalimitan sa baba ako. Hindi ko pa naeencounter na sa taas bumoto.” “Napapapanik ako gawa ng maghahanap ako ng precinct number.” [Assist] “Ok naman po. Magtuturo sayo kung anong dapat niyo... sinasabi nila, kung halimbawa, hindi makabasa, magsama ka ng kamag-anak mo na pwede tumulong sa'yo kasi hindi pwedeng ibang watcher.”
15
[Knowledge on RA10366] “Hindi ko po alam. Republic Act ba 'yan?” [Knowledge RA 10366 and on PWD legislation and their rights, in general] “Ngayon ko lang nalaman, kasi walang nag-iinterview sa aming mga ganyan.” “Ang alam ko lang dyan... pag senior, meron lang mga discount katulad ng pamasahe, pag kakain ka sa mga mall.” [Access to information on pwd rights and legislation] “Wala po ako.” (Access) [If the respondent knows other PWDs; if fellow PWDs know] “Meron naman. (Other PWDs) Yung kanina, kamag-anak ko yun.” “Baka may kaalaman sila kasi ako naman ay hindi masyadong” “Pero ano sa akin, wala ako. Katulad niyan, pag di ko alam, magtatanong ako sa kanya. Kapatid ko siya, dating konsehal dito.” “Malaking epekto yun kapag ganun kasi katulad lalo na ng mga PWD, pero dito naman, ang nangyayari kapag mga buntis, pinapauna sila, priority o kaya senior.” “Kasi parang rin abala sa mga katulad naming medyo may karamdaman.” “Kinakailangan nating bigyan ng ano yan way para sila ang mauna. Kasi minsan katulad niyang mga nakaupo yan dyan sa mga wheelchair, naiirita ‘uang mga yan sa paghihintay. Naiirita, naiinip, kaya kinakailangang sila mauna para... binibigyan naman ng prayoridad. Maayos naman ang kwan.” “Ok naman po kasi alam naman nila na may diperensya.” “Para sa akin, kasi sa nakikita ko naman, nakakaunawa na yan e kasi priority ang mga PWD... mga may disability... ako hindi na ako --- sa” “Kung alam ko naman eh siya naman eh mas may kailangan niya mauna ay no problem sa akin. Ako naman ay medyo malakas pa ng onti, pagbigyan mo siya.” “Hindi naman tayo, kumbaga… Hindi naman mababawasan yung aking pagkatao noon. Kahit mas bata sa’kin, mauna ka na. Para walang usapan. Yung ganun. Yun ang sa akin.” “Yung sa akin kasi… Yung alphabetical… Sa bagay, puro alphabetical yun. Kasi minsan kasi, ang daming hindi nakakaboto. Pag di ka nakaboto, minsan nakapila, umaalis. Kaya karamihan di ba, hindi nakakaboto.”
16
“Mas maganda siguro kasi dyan, damihan na presinto kung sakali para kung halimbawa kwan. Para lahat makaboto. Para hindi na maghintay ng matagal, di pipila ng matagal, ganun ba. Kasi minsan sa isang presinto umaabot ng 300, 200… sa dami ng botante. Di mo rin naman maiiwasan yun kasi yung iba nagmamadali. Yung iba may mga trabaho.” “Isa yun sa mga dahilan kung bakit hindi nakakaboto yung iba. Pero sakin naman, palibhasa ako naman ay wala naman akong trabaho na, wala na kaming maliit na bata para… inaabot ako paminsan-minsan nagtatagal ako. Ok lang. Basta maging maayos lang ang ano… walang gulo, basta ang gusto ko lang maging maayos ang botohan, matapos ng maayos, walang kung anu-ano pang mga yung mga tao maging willing na bumoto uli sila. Hindi yung kaya ka lang hindi boboto sa dami ng napila, naiinip na. Yung iba yun yung mga dahilan. Minsan inaabot ng gutom sa pila. Minsan may aalis ng ganun, may nakapila nang iba. Nagkakaron ng di magandang kwan. ‘Eh dyan ako e’, ‘Eh umalis ka eh.’”
17
Appendix I: Transcript of PWD Respondent #3 A: Oo. A: Oo. A: Si nanay kasi ang bumoboto para sa akin [May naging problema po ba?] B: Hindi naman, madali namin nakita pangalan namin A: Hindi naman. A: Nagkakagulo minsan. Yung number, iibahin. Mahaba ang pila [Sa iyo?] A: Ang haba ng pila. A: Merong botohan na ganun, merong hindi. A: Wala noon. B: Wala. B: Senior lang. Panay senior lang. A: Wala yata, senior lang. B: Oo, senior lang. A: Nito lang. Noong barangay, wala. Puro senior lang. B: Dapat may para sa senior at PWD. A: Wala din. B: Walang PWD, basta senior lang. Walang PWD. A: Parag walang PWD. senior lang.
18
B: Kaya nga dapat sinasama nila sa mga ganun-ganun e. A: Kailangan may PWD lane. A: Parehas kami ng nanay ko A: Sa baba? Sa baba. Dati. A: Ay! Sa taas! [Lahat po ba?] B: Meron, iba-iba. A: May precinto--sila, sa baba sila. Sabi, sa taas kami. Kasi second floor yung bagong gawa, di ba taas yon? B: E minsan magkasama kami ng nanay ko e. Nag-aagawan pa kami sa ano. A: Pero walang PWD lane. Senior citizen lang. B: Dapat meron. [Alam niyo po ba yung RA?] A: Hindi. Ano yun? A: Wala e. wala. Pila lang B: Wala e. Pila lang ng pila. Walang pang-PWD. Dapat meron silang ganoon. [Waiting area] A: Pila lang. walang mga bangko. A: Walang nag-aassist. Kanya-kanya nalang. Pagpasok mo na sa loob, yung teacher lang Pirma, dito. pirma. tapos ibibigay na yung ano mo. Ganun lang. yung mga watcher, nakatingin lang naman yun. Yung iba, di naman nag-aassist. Basta ikaw lang ang pipila. B: Ang dami no? Ang daming reklamo. [Wheelchair] A: Wala. Wala, walang ganun.
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B: Ang dami dami. B: Meron. Minsan mainit doon. A: Malaan sa eleksyon ngayon. Titingnan natin kung mayroong magbabago. Kasi ganoon na rin yung takbo dati e. A: Walang nagsasabi na, oh dito ang PWD. Wala. Basta kanya-kanyang pila. Basta pangalan nalang itatanong tsaka yung number mo. A: Lahat kami naboto. A: Wala! Ang init lalo noon e. Nakapila kami sa arawan doon e sa school. Ang haba ng pila di ba? B: Walang __, walang payong, ang haba-haba ng pila. A: Kasi maraming tao noon e. B: marami! A: Kasi patanghali na kami, pero pila talaga. Walang priority na senior. [PWD friendly ba ang eleksyon? 2016, barangay] A: Ano naman yung pagboto, yun nga lang yung mga lane na ano, di nasusunod. [knowledge on rights and legislation] A: Yung mga discount discount sa ---. Yung mga discount discount. Yung mga pagkain. Yung pag namimili sa SM, pag nakain sa.... minsan nga nahihiya ako e. Hindi! Isang jeep lang, wag mo na ibigay yung ano! Nahihiya ako. Yung sa discount sa mga... pag jeep jeep. Pag bus, nilalabas namin 'yan. Sa bus. Pag nakain kami sa jollibee, B: Edi dapat naman talaga yung sa jeep? Yung sabihin na, "PWD lang po". A: Nagagamit niya yan. B: Nagagamit ko naman. A: Sa massway, nagagamit namin. lalo na yung sa bus. Sayang din yun e. Minsan dalawa kami, sampung piso. B: Sayang din yung piso.
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A: Ok naman. A: Oo minsan sa jollibee dito, minsan hinihingan na siya. Yung mga jollibee, inaano naman ako. Halika! Teh. Ay! Naiwan ko yung ID ko. Ah hindi hindi, ako na bahala. Nagagamit sa mga Monterey. Yung sa mga hamburger. [kakilala na ibang pwd?] A: Wala. Ako lang. [Ibang pwd, may access sa impormasyon?] A: Yung katulad dito, hindi sila nakakakuha ng card. Wala silang card. Yung iba siguro, alam na nila yun. Yung may mga card. Meron dito. Yung sa tindahan dyan. Merong ginang na hindi nakapag-aral. Hindi na inasikaso. Ako kasi, inasikaso ko to e. Kasi sabi ng sa DSWD e, kunan niyo to ng pwd. kasi narinig niya yung salita niya saka yung ganun, para ipaalam sa munisipyo. Punta kayo sa ceenter ng kawit, pa-ano kayo sa doktor. e sabi nung doktor, naintindihan ko naman yan e! Sabi niya, Oh sige. Hindi ko masabing, tsaka hindi masyadong marunong sumulat. Di ko lang masabi. Tapos sabi Oh sige na nga, bibigyan na kita. Pero di kayang maintindihan pag di sanay e. Yung salita. Yung mga may card siguro, alam na nila yung benefits nila. B: Tapos yung mga jeep driver, mga binabastos ako. Sabi ko, mga jeep driver. A: Marami minsan yung mga nangangaroling dito na mga bata, minsan ginaganoon. Minsan ginagaya yung salita niya. Yung mga iba, ano. Niloloko. [pag bumoboto ba kayo, nararanasan niyo rin po ba yun?] B: Hindi naman. Wala naman. Yung mga reklamo, yung sa PWD. Yung sa pila talaga yung problema talaga! Yung mga PWD at senior, dapat paunahin yun! Di ba? A: Dapat lang. Syempre. Kailangan nila yun e. Yung sa lugar. Merong ganon. Di ba? A: Yun nga yun. Yung sa daan? Yung mga titser. Tsaka yung mga mayor, mga ganun di ba? Yung mga tauhan. Yung mga barangay, yan. Di ba? Mga kagawad. 21:30 A: Eh hindi mo naman maiaalis yung mga nambubully di ba. Sa batas? Wala naman. [Mga samahan sa PWD] A: Meron na nga yun e, baka hindi nasusunod sa munisipyo. Tingnan natin sa botohan. A: Yung mga nakaraan kasi, hindi ganoon. A: Yung mga naka-wheelchair, may lane naman sila.
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A: Di mo naman bigyan ng allowance yan. A: Dapat yung allowance! Di ba?Hindi, yung mga matatanda na PWD, pwede siguro. May mga discount na naman sila di ba? Di na pwedeng bigyan ng allowance. Ang daming PWD noh? Tsaka maraming nagrereklamo na may card na PWD e wala namang diperensya. Ewan ko. Naireklamo na yun e. Maraming nagtatanong daw e, yung ibang may mga card na pwd sa bagay nakasulat naman dun kung ano di ba? Yung iba parang ginagamit lang baka may malalakas sa munisipyo sa kung saan, mga wala namang diprensya may mga card yung iba. Yung mga dati bang nagkasakit pwede ba yun? A: Naririnig ko lang. Bakit may mga PWD e ok naman?
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Appendix I: Transcript of PWD Respondent #4 [bumoto?] Oo. [2013?] Oo. bumoto rin ako. [eleksyon na hindi?] Hindi. Tuloy-tuloy na. Magmula nung... Kasi, dati may ka-live in ako kaya may chance ako na maka boto. ke barangay, ke presidente, nag-aappear ako. [problema?] Wala naman. Kaya lang, nakakahilo. Ang liit-liit ng botohan. Space ba. Sa dami ng bumoboto...2:39 pero inaassist naman nila ako. [sino nagaassist?] Lahat. Lahat ng nasa room na yun. Mainit nga. Tanghali na nagpa-ano e. Alas nuebe kami umalis ninto e tapos e pagdating dun e parang pyesta e. Di mo alam kung saan ma-aano e. Ako pa naman ay naka-wheelchair. Sariling dala. [waiting area] Hindi na, kasi nung time na yun pag naboto naman ako, inuuna na nila kaagad ako dahil alam naman nila... inaassist na ako ng mga staff kasi alam nila na may ano ako. ganto nga ako. Hindi na ako pumipila. takot lang nila sa wheelchair ko. Naka-wheelchair na ako....4:05 [hakbang?] Wala, wala. Sa ground floor. Wala naman. Kasi mababa naman. First floor naman. Ginigive way nila ako. [positibo?]
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Oo. [Discrimination?] Special nga ako dun e. Takot nga sila sa akin e. Baka magwala ako e. [RA?] Meron na kaya di ko iniintindi yun basta ako, buhay ako. Pasok dito, labas doon. Ano ba magagawa ko dun, di ba? Wala, wala akong nakita. Yung iba naman, inaakay ng mga --- Mababait naman. Ok naman sila. Oo. (maayos na naisasakatuparan) maayos na naipapalakad ang eleksyon Basta malalaman ko, tapos na. Ano nga e, gusto ko nga mag-ano pero di ko naman dinededma. Namatay na nga yung mayor e. hihingi ako ng artificial feet o kaya manlang wheelchair ayun namatay na. wala na. yung anak nalang. Ewan. Pag nakakaharap ko kumbaga sa --- ko... pakinggan ako, salamat. Kung hind, basta nasabi ko yung nasa loob ko. [Fellow pwd] May nakikita ako pero iniisip ko nalang, classmate ko. Di ba? Kaklase ko sila e. di ko sila pag-iinsultuhin. Maswerte nga ako, nakakagalaw e sila, inaakay pa. Hindi naman ako makalabas kasi nga ano naman aanuhin ko dyan, dudukdukan nanaman yung nakaraan ko. Ayoko na dun e, sawang-sawa na ako sa ospital ng [REDACTED]. Naku po, Diyos ko kung maaari lang magtago na ako sa kisame. Yung ganyan yan, "na-ano ka?" "nabaril ako." "na-ano ka? taga saan ka?" rinding rindi na ako kaya lang wala akong magawa. Pero ganyan talaga mga Pilipino e, di makuntento sa isang question. Ta's lahat uuriratin. Ang sakit kaya ng kalooban at isipan yan. Basta's nalaman mo na yung ganun, wag ka nang umusisa! Isang tanong lang, isang sagot. Kasi bumabalik yung ano e. Yung pangyayari. Yun ang hindi nila alam. Sinabi nila suplada daw ako? Hindi. Tama ba naman yung usisain mo pa, uru-uriratin ng ganun. Baon na baon na sa lupa eh, uuriratin mo nanaman? Masakit sa amin yun e.
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Ang kailangan namin, encourage. Hindi discourage. Halos lahat ng pagkatao... parang... Parang showbiz? Wala namang maitutulong. Di bale sana kung meron. Bumabalik nanaman kasi yung pangyayari. Masakit sa amin yun. Di nila alam yun. Minsan nga sabihin nila, "mag-jogging ka" "maglakad ka" di mo naman dapat anuhin... alam naman.... E kung maglakad kaya ako, bayaran nila ako? Di ba? Gusto nila yung pakanin ka oh eto tinapay, eto tinapay, ganun sana e hindi e nakaka-ano yun samin. Number one yung nakaka-ano sa amin. Masakit sa kalooban namin. Para bang ginagawa kang pet? Na laruan, na yung tanong nila hindi sila nag-iisip, kung nasasaktan ka ba o hindi. Kailangan malapad ang pang-unawa mo. Pag ginusto namin, ginusto namin kasi nahihirapan na kami sa sarili namin bago yung ibbypass yung hinaing namin sa kanila? "Hindi ako mangingimi sa'yo, kahit konting tulong. Wala namang ano. Kapwa tao tayo. Walang problema." [Access to information] Hindi na ako nagnanais noon. Ang gusto ko, kusa. Bigyan ako 60, ang pamasahe ko, 300. Sayang pa oras ko. Pag lumapit ako sa mga normal kong ano sa pinangyarihan nito, 300. 500. Walang ano ano yun. Papakainin pa akong pilit nila. Kaya dala na akong humingi sa mga kandidato. Hindi naman ako nagppray na magkano ibigay nila, sana naman, may kapansanan na ako, unawain nila. Nagbabayad din ako ng tricycle, sa kasama ko, pamimiryendahin mo, pati sigarilyo ng drayber poproblemahin mo pa, bibigyan ako sisenta pesos? Diyos ko po. Buti pa manghingi ako pabarya-barya, masaya pa ako. Chance ko na yun e na mabigyan ng tulong Baka pwede nating tulungan, kahit manlang isang kilong bigas. Kusang gawa Kaya nga pag may rasyon dyan, ang dati kong taga-kuha yung ka-live in ko, kinekwestyon pa ng iba dyan. Yung dating mga konsehal dyan? E alam naman nila kung sino, kung kanino, alam naman nila akong ganito, ba't hindi nila ako pagbigyan na "oh pagbigyan mo na 'yan at 'yan ay kaawa-awa. Minsanan lang naman 'to, hindi naman 'to atin. Ibigay na natin ang dapat ibigay dahil taong may kapansanan ang may may-ari nyan." Sana naman isipin nila na may taong nagmamalasakit sa akin, ano nalang. Unawa. Kaunting bigas na grasya, ipagdadamot pa. Eh hindi naman yun kanila. Ang sa akin naman, kung sinong karapat-dapat eh. Kung sinong dapat tulungan nila, ang constituents dito, tulungan nila. Hindi yung meron namang kaya, tinutulungan nila, pero katulad ko ay di naman nila inisip na tulungan.
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'Yung tipong bigyan ng kahit wheelchair manlang. Yun lang hinanakit ko dito. [transpo] Yung huling boto ko, yung barangay? Mula eskwelahan, naglakad kami. Kainitan. Inano ko yun, para lang bumoto. Nagsakripisyo kami para wala lang silang masabi. Hindi nila alam yun. Ang traffic traffic! Kaya nung pauwi kami, nagwheelchair kami! Nakarating kami rito, ang dali dali pa. Kahit naarawan kami. Yung [redacted]. [redacted]! Ah, hello kako. Wala manlang kamusta--Di lumapit! Meron pa, yung si [redacted] ba yun? Yung maputla! Yung bakla! Aba, nakita akong ganyan dyan e, umatras? Ang ano noon, yung iboboto ka! Ng taong yan, kahit ano yan, kahit mabaho yan, kahit ano yan-- Dapat lang hindi kita iboto kasi namimili ka ng kapwa mo. Yung may kapansanan na pinandirihan mo, pinakita mo sa akin. Miski 28 years na akong ganito, pag kumakain ako, lumilipad eto ng ganito. Hindi lang nalalaman ng tao yan kaya kailangan ko paminsan-minsan ng pain reliever kasi hindi ako ang namimili kasi pag kumain ako, hanggang ngayon, yung kinain kong malansa-- isda, seafood, o karne o ano, minsan yung ganito ko lumilipad ng ganyan-- pumapalag ba. Eh wala akong pera. Di ako nakakatulog sa totoo lang. Hindi ako makalapit sa mga mayor, bise, konsehal, o ano man. Tinitiis ko yan! Kaya ako, dasal ako ng dasal. Pero nagtataka sila, minsan pinapadalhan ako ng pera ng anak ko. Di rin ako nag-aano sa kanila kasi uutangan ako e. Katulad nyan yung kuya ko, kumpleto yan ah. Lakas kumita, pero sugal, babae, inom. Pag darating dito, 'kumain ka na ba?' 'may inumin ka ba dyan?' 'may kape ka ba?' Wala! Sariling diskarte ko kasi m "Kay [NICKNAME]! Kay [NICKNAME]!" Birthday na birthday ko. Halagang bente pesos, iniyakan ko. Hindi na nga ako binigyan, sinermonan pa ako. Nito lang, last year lang. Lasing. Binabantaan akong babarilin--tatanggalin daw itong kamay ko. Aba, kuya! Mag-isip isip ka kako. Sa katawan mo nalang [patamain], para tapos na problema ko. "Walang care ang mga kapatid ko. Imbis na sila ay maawa, iba sila." "Kung hindi nauso ang shabu, hindi ako ganito. Hindi mo ako makikilala dahil tiyak, nasa abroad ako"
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"Ang hirap ng buhay ng may kapansanan. Lalo na't 'di ka inuunawa ng kasama mo." Appendix I: Transcript of PWD Respondent #5 & #6 [bumoto nung 2016?] Oo. [presidential?] Yun ay pagiging mamamayan naming Pilipino… Nakaboto kami. [may election kung saan di kayo bumoto?] Wala. Wala akong na-miss. [pag bumoboto, may nararanasang complications/problems?] Di na. Di ko na iniisip. Basta ako bumoboto lang ako kung sino gusto ko… Mahihirapan lang. Di na ako nagiging mapagpasinta. Basta alam ko yung taong boboto ko ay karapat-dapat. Pag boto, uwi na… Dala ko yung kopyahan ko para alam ko kung sino yung boboto ko. [saan?] Binakayan [meron bang pila para sa senior/pwds?] Wala. Pero pag andun na, mas pinapauna naman kami… Yung place na para sa amin, wala. Pero pag nakita kami, pinapauna na kami. [walang para lang sa senior?] Wala. [may waiting area na pwedeng upuan?] Meron
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[meron bang stairs na inaakyatan?] Meron. Dalawang baitang. Kasi yung 68A mababa. [may mga bumoboto sa 2nd floor?] Wala. Puro sa baba lang. [di masyadong matagal yung proseso? May mga nag-aassist?] Meron nag-aassist. [sino usually?] Yung mga teachers [batas ra10366 - sa tingin niyo ba, maayos yung implementation?] Maayos naman [walang nakikitang problema?] Wala. Ganun lang. Nasa first floor naman kami. Kaya kung sakaling kami naboto na at nakita kami, pinapauna naman kami. [ibang tao sumusulat para sa inyo?] Para sa akin. [naging positive yung experience niyo sa mga nakaraang elections?] Ok naman. [alam niyo ba yung karapatan/batas para sa inyo bilang pwds?] Hindi ko alam. [may access sa information?] Mula nung naging PWD ako, lagi na lang akong nasa bahay. Ngayon lang ako lumalabas. Pero ngayon, nakakapunta na ako sa SM
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Ako din. Ako di talaga lumalabas ng bahay. [meron ba kayong pwedeng pagtanungan tungkol sa mga batas?] Sa mga batas, wala kaming ibang mapagtanungan kundi si [COUNCILOR]. Ano ba mga karapatan naming mga PWD? Ang sabi ni ano, meron na katulad nung mga wheelchair na nakuha natin kay mayor… Yung mga gamot namin, nakakakuha kami ng gamot diyan sa sentra…. Pati mga vaccine, sa pneumonia. [familiar ba kayo sa pagboto na mga batas? Ngayon niyo lang ba narinig yung ra10366?] Ngayon lang. Malalaman na lang namin, “Ay ganun pala yun!” [sa tingin niyo ba yung mga kapwa pwds, may alam sa mga ganitong bagay?] Siguro, yung mga matatanda na. Sila nakakaalala samin… Ngayon lang namin nalaman. Di nga namin alam na PWD [kami]. [sa tingin niyo ba, nakakaapekto yung mga maraming tao/physical na harang sa pagboto ng mga taong may kapansanan?] Hindi naman. Kasi dapat alam naman nila na di namin malaman yung mga boto namin. Kasi katulad ko, di ko malaman kung sino binoto ko. Di ko sinasabi sa kanila kung sino binoto ko kasi nakalagay na sa puso ko yun. Kasi yung iba, nasasaktan sila pag alam nilang di ko sila binoto. [pano kayo pumupunta sa presinto?] May shuttle diyan. Pag naiinip ako, hindi na. Sasakay na lang sa tricycle or jeep. [meron ba kayong nakikitang dapat iimprove sa pamamalakad ng election?] Wala naman siguro. Dapat lang bigyan kami ng… kasi alam nilang ganito kami. May mga suplada kasi. Pag nakita nila kami, wag nang maging suplada. Kahit ganito kami, turing naman kami nang maayos. Wag kaming ituring na katawa-tawa. Yung tatawanan ka, ayoko ng ganun. [may naranasan ba kayong discrimination habang nasa precinct?]
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Wala naman. Sa labas lang.
Appendix I: Transcript of PWD Respondent #7
[voting frequency] Normal ang boto ko. [nalagtawan?] Noon time na absent ako, nasa Japan ako. Matagal na yun. Mga 18 years na. [problema?] Oo, ang problema lang dito, yung pila. Minsan nawawala yung pangalan mo, eh gawa nun kasi may dayaan, yung voters' list, nagkakagulo-gulo. Yun lang naman ang... Yun ngang sinasabi ko sa'yo, mga pulitikong magugulo. Gumagawa ng pandaraya. [kelan naranasan?] Barangay election. Pag national election, ang problema lang diyan, wala naman kaming problema sa national election. Ang problema lang, kung sino nga yung pipiliin mo. Siguro, depende na rin sa nagagawa nilang batas. Doon ka nalang magbabase. Puro lahat 'yan, may magandang pangako pero... [The responded proceeded to explain his parameters for choosing his candidates, all mostly based on what they have done or what laws they have passed, not necessarily with regard to PWDs.] Kaya sinasabi ko sa’yo, mabigat maging PWD, depende sa gobyerno o bansang kinabibilangan mo. Ang isang PWD, ang isang senior citizen, hindi dapat kinaaawaan. Dapat, inuunawa. Hindi kailangan ng isang PWD ang awa. Yung mga nakapwesto na ibinoboto ng tao, ang ibinibigay niyan ay awa. Ano bang binigay nila sa PWD, discount? 20% discount? Akala ng mga nakapwesto, maganda ba yun? Naisip ba nila yung 80% discount [sic] kung saan manggagaling? Sa palagay mo? Kung ikaw ay isang PWD at wala kang income dahil discrimination din sa atin--basta't ikaw ay naging PWD, mayroon nang discrimination. Wala nang tatanggap sa'yo unless... Kaya nga
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sinasabi ko sa'yo, depende sa kinabibilangan mong bansa o gobyerno. Sa Japan... Seven years ako sa Japan, ang mga PWD dun ay hindi kinaaawaan. [Sila ay] hinahangaan. Puring-puri nila yung PWD na naglalakad sa daan dahil kaya niyang mabuhay ng normal. Unang-una, ang mga karapatan ng isang PWD ay katulad din ng normal na tao. Kung ang isang PWD ay binigyan nila ng karapatan, binigyan nila ng tamang pagtingin, nakakapag-trabaho, makakapamuhay ng normal. Dito sa gobyerno natin sa Pilipinas, pag ikaw ay PWD, dahil nga may discrimination, zero ang tatanggap sa isang PWD. Kasi hindi inuunawa ang PWD. Ang pinaka-problema dito sa atin, discrimination. Sinong iboboto mo, sinong pipiliin mon a talagang may puso para sa PWD? Maniniwala ka ba sa'kin na bihirang-bihira dito sa atin ang kumakandidatong may puso? Kasi ang kanilang desisyon, hindi nanggagaling sa puso. Nanggagaling sa isip--na konektado sa kanilang sikmura. Katulad ako. PWD. Kaliliitan ang mga anak ko. Paano ko bubuhayin ang mga anak ko kung mahina ang loob ko? Mahina ang diskarte ko? Kasi wala naman akong aasahan eh. Ang tulong na dapat ibigay ng gobyernong ito sa isang PWD, senior citizen, mga mongoloid na ‘yan, *ay+ trabaho. Yung nararapat na trabaho. [accessibility/transpo/nakakapunta ba ng maayos?] Oo naman. Kasi naman alam ko na yung number ko, alam ko yung precinct number ko, yun nalang hahanapin ko. Wala namang discrimination dito na... wala namang pangit na pangyayari dito. Sa ngayon, ah. Noon, nag-aaway-away kami noon. Nung magulo pa yung mga kapitan kapitan, mga mayor. Kaya yung pagboto namin, maayos naman Tsaka naman, nabibigyan naman ng priority pag PWD. Alam naman nilang privilege nila 'yan, matanda ka na, pauunahin ka sa pila. [ground floor?] Ah, hindi. Minsan nasa taas. Depende kung saan mapalagay yung precinct nila. [ok lang po ba sa inyo na umakyat?] Oo. Magtiis ka eh gampanan mo yung tungkulin mo bilang Pilipino, obligado ka sa ganun eh. Siguro naman bago matapos ang eleksyon, makakaakyat naman ako eh. Kaya nga inaagahan ko ang pagpunta. [RA 10366]
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Republic Act? Anong batas yun? Alam mo, nene, hindi naman natin masusunod yun eh kasi kulang tayo sa facilities eh. Eh katulad ng high school [at] elementary namin, eh sa dami ng precinct natin eh kulang ang nasa baba. Kaya kailangang gumamit ng second floor. Eh ang mga ganyang batas, eh hindi masusunod. Ate: Eh hindi naman din mapipili. Nasa masterlist na, eto, stable 'to. eto, PWD 'to. Hindi mo na mapipili kasi assorted. Yung ganyang batas eh, hindi natin masusunod 'yan. Wala tayong magagawa dyan kung kulang tayo sa facilities. Ate: Pero kuya, parang kasi... kagaya nyan. Di ba botohan ng barangay officials, SK? Naibubukod ang room ng SK. Bakit hindi ganun ang gawin-- ayun na nga, ang problema nga, hindi natin mapipili sa isang masterlist kung sino ang PWD. Napakahirap. Ginagawa naman. Kaya lang, ang nagiging problema nila, sa dami ng sa lugar namin, maraming botante, maraming precinto, kulang yung facilities. Kaya kailangan kang gumamit ng second floor. Yung ilalagay mo ba sa second floor, mapipili mo ba 'yun? Ate: Sa nag-aassist, marami. Yung mga naka-wheelchair, bubuhatin. Maganda yung batas na 'yun. Kaya lang, depende sa lugar. Di katulad nung mga nasa liblib na lugar, konti lang mga botante dyan. Yung sa mga rural area kasi, konto konti lang. Eh, nasa 300,000 na ata yung botante namin eh. Ah, oo. Mababait naman dito yung mga teacher. Ang hindi mabait dito, yung PWD. Iritable katawan niyan eh. Wala ngang haba ng pasensya. Lalong lalo na diabetic. Lalong mainitin ang ulo. Kaya mainit ang ulo ko talaga eh. lighthearted [maayos ba na naisasakatuparan?] Hindi ko masabing maayos. Para sa'kin, wala namang problema sa'kin 'yan eh. Yung ganyang batas, walang problema sakin. Eh kasi dito naman sa'tin eh, lahat naman ng PWD dito sa'tin eh nakakaboto naman ng ayos. Wala namang nirereklamo. Eh, siguro, ibig-sabihin lang, ok naman 'tong lugar namin. [positibo?] Oo.
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[noon niyo lang po ba nalaman yung RA?] Alam kong may mga batas 'yan. Alam ko naman yung mga republic act. Marami rin akong alam na mga inaano sa republic act, pero yung mga ganyang batas, hindi ko naman pagtutuunan ng pansin kasi nga maayos naman yung ano namin. Malalaman mo lang 'yang mga ganyang batas, eh pag nangyari 'yang disgrasya-- halimbawa, nagkaroon ng tensyon at nagkaroong ng hindi magandang ano, doon mo lang hahanapin yung batas na 'yan. Kung ano sinasabi ng batas tungkol dyan. Eh, nandyan naman yung mga republic act at presidential decree, meron pa tayo diyang pambarangay, marami naman eh. [meron po ba kayong acces sa ganitong impormasyon?] [kapwa?] Hindi ko lang alam kung sila'y may alam sa batas, kung sila'y may interesado sa batas. Di natin masasabi 'yun kasi depende din sa pinag-aralan ng isang tao. Kung yun naman ay mga elementary graduate lang eh hindi na mag-iintindi 'yan. [may access?] Meron naman, nakaka-intindi naman ako kahit kaunti. [mapagtatanungan?] Meron naman tayong mababasa, di ba? Eh, high-tech na kompyuter ng ating cellphone, merong gustong impormasyon na malaman, malalaman mo sa facebook o sa YouTube. Pwede mong tanungin sa cellphone. Kaya ang ignorante na lang sa panahon, yung talagang walang aral. Napakadali nang mabuhay. May cellphone ka, i-type mo sa cellphone. Sasabihin sa'yo ng cellphone. High-tech na tayo ngayon. [pisikal na harang] Ay, yun ang problema ko. Napakasakit kasi yung ilakad sa paakyat. [cited instances where going to offices would be difficult] Ang number one problema dito sa atin, mapa-normal na tao, mapa-PWD, attitude. Kahit sa hospital, makaka-kita ka ng discrimination. Alam mo ba, kaya ko naman nasasabi, naospital nga ako eh. Dun ako nakatikin ng aping-api ang pakiramdam ko. Ang problema, yung attitude sa akin. [pagtibay ng batas?]
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Kaya lang, katulad ng sabi ko sa'yo, pag ang batas ay nanggaling sa isip--kailangan mas maganda kung galing sa puso. Marami. Marami pang kailangang gawin. Hindi na ako magbibigay kung ano pa 'yun pero napakarami pang dapat. Unang-una. Ayan ang summer. Napakatindi ng panahon Dapat naglagay ang COMELEC ng mga drinking fountain. Minsan eh, makakakita ka sa mga senior citizen, nakalupaloy dun sa ano... tuyong-tuyo, hinang-hina. Kasi nga, sa lakad yun. Lalakad ka papunta riyan, walang mainom basta. Eh pano kung ang isang botante, walang dalang pera? Dapat naman, yung ikabubuti ng mga botante... kahit tubig manlang. Eh kaso mo, etong mga nakaupong departamento sa gobyerno, ayaw gumasta. Laging nahuhulog sa bulsa. Ang laki ng budget. Kahit tubig man lang, may drinking fountain. Hindi naman sila gagastos ng isang libong piso sa isang ganyan eh. Magkano lang ang tangke, 25? Ilang tao ang makakainom doon? Hindi naman iigibin 'yan eh. Boboto ka sa kainitan, hahanap ka pa ng tubig. [deterrents to voting?] oo, maraming naiinitan. Marami. Unang-una, pupunta ka dyan. Hahanapin mo pa yung pangalan mo. Eh kung magcollapse ka dyan, mapapagod ka. "What is politics? Public servant. What is politics now? Business."
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Appendix I: Transcript of PWD Respondent #8 The interviewer briefs the respondent *interview proper starts* A: Noong 2016 po ba ay nag boto po kayo? Senatorial, pati din ba nung presidential po? CR: Oo A:may election ba po kayo na di nakaboto CR: Wala A:saang precinct po kayo? CR: 153-A A: Meron ba kayong naranasan na problems or complications in past or previous elections CR: Wala naman A: May waiting area ba CR: Yung kwan wala eh, kasi mabilis lang yung ano..processo A: Kayo ba po ang priority during voting? CR: Hindi ko masabing ano eh..kasi ngayon..May pila eh may pila, ngayon doon ako nakapila A: noong barangay elections pumila pa po kayo? CR: (Not sure if he said yes or no) A: May sariling pila ba ng mga senor or may kapansanan CR: noong, hindi ko talaga nakita, ngayon nung bagong eleksyon, sani nila dun lang. Doon nag akos a ano eh A: Sa second floor po ba? CR: Oo, second floor for disabled yun eh A: may hagdan po ba dito na may ramp? CR: Oo, sa right side, may pang-kabit pa nga diyan eh A: May mga nag assist ba sa inyo? Like tinuruan kayo kung saan kayo dapat pupunta? Cr: Basta yung ano, yung sa seat number, A: so Kayo mismo naghanap Cr: Hindi, pinahanap ko A: Tapos tinuro po sa inyo? Cr: Oo, sinahiban ako na dun na ako uupo A: meron ba po kayong nakitang naka-tenga lang Cr: wala, wala A: cge po Tatay Familiar ba po kayo sa R.A 10366? Cr: Oo A: Naalala niyo po ba ang laman po nito? Cr: *Inaudible response* A: Okay lang po ba na I-explain ko nalang po? (Proceeds to state a brief history and meaning of the law and proceeds to enumerate all the services to be provided to pwd’s, seniors, pregnant, and other people that the law encompasses) May nakita bap o kayo na ganito? Cr: Wala akong nakita
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A: sa tingin niyo po tatay, napasatupad ba po ang batas na ito? Cr: Ehhh sa tingin ko okay A: sa tingin niyo successful po? Cr: oo parang yan ang masasabi ko A: Ngayon niyo lang bap o narinig po ang mga sinabi ko? (in pertaining to the law) Cr: Oo A: Alamo niyo ba po ang rights or batas para sa mga senior citizen, or mga taong may kapansanan? Cr: Naalala ko lang ang iba A: Kaya niyo ba pong mag bigay ng halimbawa? Cr: (inaudible) A: Sa tingin niyo po ba na may alam nag mga kapwa senior niyo o mga taong may kampansanan tungkol sa mga batas na ito? Cr: hindi ko masasabing oo eh, kasi, ako din hindi ko din nalaman to eh, siguro meron silang mga alam na konti pero hindi lahat alam nila A: May access ba po kayo sa mga listahan ng batas o gumagamit ba po kayo ng internet para malaman ito Cr: ay hindi, hindi ako marunong A: may matanungan ba po kayo tungkol dito? Cr: ehhhhh mga kapitbahay ko lang, o un sa TV A: Nakaka apekto ba ang mga physical na harang na pakunyari madaming tao, o napapaakyat ka pa sa second floor ay naglilimita ng galaw niyo? Cr: Oo mahirap, kasi yung mga iba diyan, hindi nga makalakad eh, paano pag kailangan bumaba hindi makababa dahil madaming tao. Paano pag sa malayo ka pa nanggaling tapos masakit ang paa mo, eh problema mo na yun. Sigurado pag nagpahinga ka kaya pa yun pero.. A:Paano po pala kayo nakarating sa precinto niyo po? Cr: Nag commute ako, naka tricycle ako A: any recommendations or suggestions ba po kayo para sa mga Seniors or PWDs pagkadating sa elections? Cr: pag boboto ka, magdala ka na ng salamin, kasi baka magkamali sa pinili A: sa tingin niyo po ba ay kailangan nating lakihan ang mga nakasulat sa print po? CR: Hindi na A; Kayo nalang po mag aadjust? CR: Opo A: Meron ba po kayong gustong idagdag po? CR: Wala naman
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Appendix J: Transcript of PWD Respondent #9 The interviewer briefs respondent *interview proper* A: Bumoto ba po kayo sa presidential and senatorial elections nung 2016? CR: Lahat A:Saang Precinto po kayo bumoboto? CR: *inaudible response* A: Meron ba kayong naranasan na problems or complications in past or previous elections CR: Wala naman A: Kayo ba po ang priority during voting? CR: Oo A: Nasa ground floor lang po ba ang precinto niyo po? CR: Oo A: May BEI po ba or watchers na nag-aasist po sa inyo? CR: Mga Watcher, minsan mga teacher A: Paano po kayo pumupunta sa precinto tatay? (skipped one question, no verbal answer) CR: Umaga pa lang na umaalis na ako, gumagamit ko ng sidecar (at this point, someone interjects and states that tatay owns the sidecar and that he uses the echo bike for his business) A: Familiar ba po kayo sa RA 10366? CR: Hindi pa po A: The interviewer Proceeds to state a brief history and meaning of the law and proceeds to enumerate all the services to be provided to pwd’s, seniors, pregnant, and other people that the law encompasses) A: Sa tingin niyo ba tatay, ang mga taong may kampansanan at mga senior citizens ay hindi naman sobrang nahihirapan? Cr: Hindi naman, kasi meron nag-aalalay A: Meron nag aasist po? Cr: Oo (Inaudible Response) A: Aware bap o kayo sa rights niyo po? Cr: Oo A: Pwede ba po kayo magbigay ng example? CR: Halimbawa ung naka-(INAUDIBLE But he did Mention having the need to fight for his rights as well as the advantages of PWD cards and discounts) A: (Questioning Resumes) Meron po ba kayong kilala na ibang tao na may kapansanan CR: Marami (INAUDIBLE) A: Sa tingin niyo po may alam din sila sa kanilang mga karapatan? CR: Ang mga iba hindi nila alam yun, kasi ang mga iba diyan tambay tambay lang, mga iba diyan tamarin lang, hindi sila dapat ganyan. Hindi sila nakikisama o naghahanap buhay, mga iba napunta din sa bisyo.Yung mga andyan mga...anu diyan. Hindi sila naghahanap buhay kaya ayun
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di nila ginagamit ang mga utak nila. Yung kasabihan natin eh. Kung kaya mo, gawin mo.Umayos ka para matupad mo pangarap mo para sa mga anak mo, na makatapos sila. Yan yung pangarap ko. A: Ilan ang mga anak mo tatay? CR: Tatlong Maria A: Ah lahat mga babae po! CR: Isang mag te-teacher, isang engineer, isang management A: Kung sakali pong gusto niyong malaman ang mga batas para sa may kapansana may mapagkuhanan ba po kayo ng information dito? May mapagtatanungan ba po kayo? CR: Wala naman A: Sa tingin niyo po ba na ang mga pisikal na harang tulad ng pagdami ng tao sa precinto o ang pagpupunta sa second floor ay makakaapekto sa pagboboto? Cr: Nakakaapekto, kasi ang mga iba diyan hindi makakaakyat, kasi nakakangalay. Hindi tulad ng pag nasa baba nakapahinga ka pa pero pag nakatayo sila, nakakangalay. Peor pag nasa taas, kung aakyat yung iba hindi kaya. Dapat talaga nasa baba...dati, nung aakyat kami nagrereklamo ako, hindi tama ito, ang mga..ano dapat nasa baba. Eh paano kung mahulog sa hagdanan? Ede nadisgrasya. Dapat yung hindi na kami pinapahirapan. Dapat kung ganun ang mga may senior, nasa baba, wag mo na din kami paintayin. Para pag pumunta kami na konti lang ang tao, dapat maaga
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Appendix K: Transcript of PWD Respondent #10 [matagal nang di masyadong makakita?] 1999, di na ko masyadong nakakakita [nakaboto nung 2016 senatorial elections?] Talagang tuwing botohan, nakaboto ako [wala kayong nalalaktawan na election?} Wala kasi sayang yung boto ko. Baka mawala pangalan ko. [Pag bumoboto kayo, may problemang nararanasan?] Wala naman. Ok naman yung mga nag-aassist. Mababait naman sila. [Meron bang palapag or stairs na kelangan akyatin?] Meron. Isa lang. Isang hakbang. Sinasabi naman niya sakin. Kaya nakakaano naman ako. Nakakaakyat naman ako kaya lang una muna ‘tong masakit na paa. Kasi masakit yung kanan ko eh. Di ko basta-basta maigalaw. Kaya mayari ….. (di ko maintindihan sorryy around 6:00 - 6:05) [meron bang waiting area for upo or waiting?] Wala namang waiting [area] dun. Minsan naman pag may nakakakita dun sa barangay, nag-aabang ng sasakyan, nagpapaupo naman. [marami naman nag-aassist?] Oo marami naman. Mabait naman yung mga teacher. Mabait naman yung mga nagwawatcher dun. [meron po bang sariling pila ang pwds] Meron naman. [sa first floor?]
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Oo. [sang precinct bumoboto] 68A [walang complications nararanasan sa election?] Ok naman. [positibo naman experience?] Mababait sila. Minsan inaakay ako. *Sinasabi+ “Dito, dito.” Tinuturo naman nila ko. [mabilis yung proseso?] Mabilis [kayo ang priority?] Oo naman. Kasi may kasama naman ako. (8:10 - 8:15) [narinig niyo na ba yung ra10366?] Narinig ko na sa tv yun [yung laman familiar na kayo?] Hindi, yun lang narinig ko. Di ko na [nalaman] kung ano yun. [ra10366 content] [maayos bang nasasakatuparan yung policy?] Baka sakali maayos. Yung iba naman kasi talagang di naaayos pa. Di naman lahat. Parang walang wheelchair. Parang wala man lang akong nakikita. Meron sila, pag may nahihilo, andun sila sa may ano..
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[may mga medical stations ba?] Parang wala kasi akong naririnig. O kasi di ko nakikita. [sa tingin niyo ba ang election sa ph or cavite ay maayos sa mga taong may kapansanan?] Maayos naman kasi di naman… Pag ako naboto, ok lang. Inuuna na kami. [meron bang naranasan na discrimination sa precinct or iba ang turing?] Wala naman. [maalam ba kayo sa mga batas or karapatan bilang pwd?] Minsan alam ko lang yung, halimbawa, pag lumapit ako, ako yung unang iintindihin. Minsan may kapansanan ka, lalapit ka. Minsan para kang taong di iniintindi. Halimbawa, ako may kailangan, kasama ko yung anak ko, yung lalapit silang ganun para sa kung anong kailangan mo. Minsan yung ganun ba, yung intindihin [ka]. Minsan kasi, di nila iniintindi. Kaya minsan, nakakahiya ring lumapit. Katulad ko, may kapansan, di nakikita mga ginagawa nila. Parang nakakaano sa sarili. Nakakahabag din. [ngayon niyo lang ba nalaman yung batas?] Oo nga kasi naririnig ko yung ganyan pero di ko alam yung ibig sabihin. Ngayon ko lang narinig yung ganyan, na may karapatan pala kami. [alam ba ng mga kapwang may kapansanan yung mga batas/karapatan para sa inyo?] Yung iba hindi, yung iba alam nila. Kasi ako, talagang walang alam kung ano yung nilalaman [ng batas]. [may access ba kayo sa gantong information or mapagtatanungan/makakausap?] Minsan si [REDACTED]. Yan lang naman yung matiyaga. Matiyaga yan sakin. [curious po ba kayo sa gantong bagay?] Oo naman kasi para din naman satin yan. [yung mga pisikal na harang, makakaapekto sa paglahok nila sa election?] Syempre nakakaawa din, katulad ng mga pilay. Buti kung matulungan silang umakyat. Karapatan din sigurong magreklamo pag ganun. Kasi mahihirapan din sila sa pag-akyat. Bababa pa. Kung paakyat, napakahirap kaya.
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[ano pang dapat maidagdag na policy sa precinct?] Maging maayos sila. Yung mga katulad naming may disability. Yung intindihin nila. Diba meron naman kasing, minsan may ano na pero “Oh dyan kayo.” Parang nakakaano naman yung ganun. Syempre yung maayos na election, na ano yung mga nagbabantay. Na intindihin yung mga katulad namin. [yung turing sa inyo?] Yung turing na parang kami. Kasi pag may disability, minsan ang turing nila, iba na. Laging nakasigaw. Syempre kami, di naman namin ano yun. Sila rin nakakaintindi. Kasi kami din naman katulad ng mga pilay. Mahirap din naman umintindi. Mag-ayos ng pila. Gusto nila sila mauna. Kaya nga intindihin na lang nila situation namin, ng katulad namin [sa training ba ito ng mga BEI or bilang kapwa tao na lang?] Kapwa tao na lang. Wala nang training. Kung talagang gusto nila intindihin, ok lang. Kasi naiintindihan din namin mga katulad namin. Minsan nahihirapan din naman yung mga nag-aassist. Tulad namin. Ok lang yun. Diba pag nagwawatcher, pinapaliwanag yung mga RA? Kasi nagwawatcher ako, di pinapaliwanag samin. May meeting kami pero walang ganyan. Basta ang paliwanag samin, intindihin niyo yung naboto. Tignan niyo kung may nandadaya. Pero di pinapaliwanag pag may kapansanan. [ra10366 background] Pag kami laging nagmemeeting, pinapaliwanag lang samin. Bantayan yung mga naboto, yung mga nandadaya. Ganun lang. Pero sa mga ganyan, wala silang binabanggit samin. Na yung mga may kapansanan, pag kailangan ng tulong, puntahan niyo. Buti na lang at nagpunta ka para nalaman nila. Ako nga, ngayon ko lang din nalaman yan. Diba dapat alam din ng mga watcher yan? Kasi di naman lahat ng naboto, di mo masasabi yung kalagayan sa loob. *meron akong nakausap na may kapansanan… may mga taong may kapansanan na ayaw nang bumoto kasi di pinapansin, di inaasikaso.] Kasi minsan di iniintidi. Buti naman pag ako naboto, kasama ko anak ko. Siya na nag-aasikaso
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Pag nagwawatcher ako, di ako pwedeng sumama. Pinapasamahan ko siya sa iba. [may mga gusto pag sabihin?] Basta ang [gusto] ko lang diyan, maayos na botohan tsaka wala nang gulo. Laging dapat tanggalin. Kasi minsan nakakatakot. May ganito, may ganun… Ok lang naman. Maano naman dito. Palibhasa mga kakilala. May mga babati...