Senator Bam Aquino has filed a bill seeking to give qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs) a ₱2,000 monthly allowance to help cover transportation, health care, assistive devices and other everyday expenses.
Under Senate Bill No. 2386, or the proposed National Disability Support Act, the allowance would be distributed through a new National Disability Support Allowance Program.
The proposed ₱2,000 benefit would also be adjusted from time to time based on inflation to help preserve its purchasing power.
Aquino said the financial support is intended to help PWDs live more independently and have better opportunities to study, work and participate in their communities.
“This allowance is designed to complement existing social protection programs and empower persons with disabilities to live more independently, pursue education and employment, and participate more actively in society,” Aquino said in a statement Saturday.
The senator said PWDs often face additional costs because of their disabilities, including transportation, medical care and assistive devices. When these expenses cannot be met, he said, opportunities can become limited and poverty and social exclusion can worsen.
The proposed program would be introduced in phases.
During its first three years, priority would be given to children with disabilities and adults with significant disabilities. In the following three years, the program would expand to people with moderate disabilities who have disability-related expenses.
The bill would also create a system to determine who qualifies for the allowance based on a person’s disability, limitations and need for support, rather than relying solely on income.
A separate government database would be established and linked with existing government records to help identify beneficiaries and distribute the allowance.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development would lead the program, with support from the National Council on Disability Affairs.
Aquino said the proposal is intended not only to provide financial assistance but also to give PWDs greater opportunities to live independently and participate in society.
A similar proposal has also been filed in the House of Representatives.
Quezon City 5th District Rep. Patrick Vargas filed House Bill No. 3770 in December 2025, seeking a fixed ₱2,000 monthly allowance for all PWDs regardless of employment status.
Like Aquino’s proposal, Vargas’ bill would adjust the allowance based on inflation.
