Instead of giving P1 to beggars, persons with disabilities would be very happy if their partylist group is voted for in the May 14 elections.

Gaudiel Rapada, president of the provincial federation of Persons with Disabilities, said giving P1 to a beggar is helping only one beggar. But if people cast their votes for the Akapin partylist group, this would mean helping the more than 8 million Filipinos who do not have a voice in Congress. Rapada, who is visually-impaired, said voting for Akapin partylist group is like voting for any Filipino who can acquire disability due to old age such as blindness or problems with hearing.

Aside from being marginalized, Rapada added that their group is also demoralized, has no political power, no resources and machinery. They come to the public for help to send even one representation in Congress through Akapin. If elected, the group wants to revisit the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.*JG

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