PNoy says he's a 'special uncle'

MANILA - President Aquino on Wednesday said he is a "special uncle" to his nephew, Josh Aquino, and is interested in helping families who have children with special needs. Aquino made the comment after Nanding Francisco of DCCD Engineering Corporation asked the President if there is a way to give special benefits to the disabled and children with special needs, similar to the benefits given to senior citizens. Francisco said he is a "special father" to his special needs child and said the cost of his child's medicine was equal to paying college tuition. The President said he will ask if Philhealth could cover some of the cost of the medicine for special children. "Paaral natin yung buong kalagayan especially ng special children. Meron din akong pamangkin na special child. Ewan ko kung special uncle niya ako," he said. He said there are already several laws that help persons with disabilities. He said the annual Apolinario Mabini Awards recognize the achievements of people with disabilities. He said the last awards were given out on August 28, on the same date that alleged pork scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles surrendered in Malacañang. "Pati gobyerno nabawasan yung disability to ferret out the truth," he said. ANC, October 2, 2013