Barring Age, Disability for Empl. Punishable in this Town

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

BASISTA, Pangasinan – Employers beware!

A law has been passed in this town that refusal to hire an applicant because of their mature age and disability is punishable by local and national laws.

 Municipal Ordinance No. 261, Series of 2026 prohibits age and disability-based discrimination. The law was declared valid and within the powers of the municipal council to enact after it was reviewed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial lawmakers).

Key Features of the Ordinance

• Protects Vulnerable Sectors: The law safeguards Senior Citizens (aged 60+) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) against discrimination in Basista.
• Promotes Equal Employment: It specifically mandates the promotion of hiring, training, and employment opportunities for both groups within the municipality.

Broader National Protections

This municipal ordinance bolsters existing national statutes, including:

• Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act (Republic Act No. 10911): Makes it illegal to refuse to hire, promote, or compensate workers based on their age.
• Magna Carta for Persons with Disability (Republic Act No. 7277, as amended): Prohibits public or private entities from discriminating against qualified individuals because of their disability.
• Violators of Republic Act No. 10911 (Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act) face a fine ranging from P50, 000 to P500, 000, imprisonment for 3 months to 2 years, or both. If an entity like a corporation commits the offense, the responsible guilty officers will be penalized.
• Under the amended Republic Act No. 7277 (Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities), penal clauses detail specific punishments for violations. First-time offenders face a fine of ₱50,000 to ₱100,000, or 6 months to 2 years imprisonment. Subsequent violations incur heavier penalties, while abusing PWD privileges also carries distinct fines and consequences.