Tagbilaran City:The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has formally requested the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to conduct an investigation into the alleged sexual harassment of a deaf woman on a bus in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. The council is also pushing for charges to be filed against those responsible.

According to Philippines News Agency, NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova highlighted the council's anticipation of a prompt and impartial investigation by the DOTr. The NCDA's regional program coordinator is collaborating with social welfare officials and disability affairs offices in Bohol and Tagbilaran City to provide psychosocial and legal support to the victim.

The incident reportedly took place at approximately 4 a.m. on November 1, while the woman and her minor child were en route to church. She accused a bus conductor of harassment, later sharing her experience and a video online to demand action. In response to criticism of her post's grammar, Relova emphasized the importance of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) in the deaf community's culture.

Relova asserted the woman's right to recount her experience and pursue legal action, urging families of deaf individuals to learn FSL for effective communication. The NCDA has also called for disability sensitivity training for bus operators and transportation personnel, offering an online course as part of their initiative.

In addition, the NCDA is addressing issues related to fake PWD identification cards, with first nominee John Darnell Castro of 1PWD Party-list urging an end to such practices. The council is developing a unified PWD ID system to prevent misuse, featuring a unique identification number and QR code for verification.

Relova also mentioned that the new ID system is being piloted in five municipalities, with extensive training for local personnel. Existing PWD IDs will remain valid during a transition period, as specified under Administrative Order No. 001, series of 2026. The NCDA continues to monitor cases of fake ID use, with legal proceedings ongoing in several cities.