The Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed and approved on final reading an ordinance allowing persons with disabilities (PWD) here to have free access to movies in all local cinemas.

In a statement Wednesday, Councilor Jessica Bonguyan, the SP committee chair on games and amusement, said the ordinance is the first of its kind for the city’s PWD community.

Bonguyan said he expects implementation within six months after the measure is signed by Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

“Transitory provisions allow the executive department to release the implementing rules and regulations for the execution of the ordinance within six months,” she said.

While free movie privileges are given to the city’s senior citizens, Bonguyan said it is also fitting to grant free movie access to PWDs as “one way of recognizing their existence.”

The free movie privilege only applies to regular movie screenings, excluding special cinemas such as Dolby Atmos, Imax Theaters, Director’s Club, and 3D and 4D theaters, according to the ordinance.

The PWDs will have to pass their movie pass booklet upon entry to the cinemas every Monday when they avail of the privilege.

“The first screening time is intended for the PWDs to ensure their safety since it is not yet crowded. Cinema owners will allocate five percent of their total seating capacity to PWD moviegoers during their Monday screening time,” Bonguyan said.

The councilor warned that any individual who commits fraudulent means to avail of the free movie privilege will be penalized with a fine of PHP2,000 for the first offense, PHP3,000 for the second offense, and PHP5,000 for the third offense. (PNA)