Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._2955

INTRODUCED BY: HON. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This measure seeks to make our country's national telecommunication system
accessible to the hearing-impaired and speech-impared.

The State categorically recognizes the importance of the disabled sector. For
instance, the Constitution provides sectoral representation for the disabled in the House
of Representatives. Likewise, the State established the National Commission for
Disabled Persons to guarantee that the rights of the handicapped are protected, and all
programs and services of the government are universally accessible to all segments of
society.

Although recent technology already incorporates and considers the need of
handicapped persons when creating products, communication facilities in the
Philippines remains inadequate for the heamg impaired and speech-impaired.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is hereby sought.

fhuchec, Fnt——§
MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO,

Representative, 1$* District
City of Marikina


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._2999

INTRODUCED BY: HON. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

AN ACT
PROVIDING HEARING-IMPAIRED AND SPEECH-IMPAIRED PERSONS ACCESS
TO TELECOMMUNIATION SYSTEM

* Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the “Telecommunication
Accessibility Enhancement Act of 2010”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the state to provide
handicapped persons protection and assistance to hasten their integration into the
mainstream of society.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this Act, the term:

(A) “TDD” or Telecommunication Devises for Deaf means a machine which
employs graphic communications in the transmission of coded signals through the
nationwide telecommunication system.

(B) “Secretary” means the Secretary of transportation and Communication.

SECTION 4. National Telecommunications System Requirements.-

(A) Accessibility of telecommunications System. - The Department of
Transportation and Communications and the effective government agencies shall issue +
the necessary rules and regulation to assure that the National telecommunication
system is fully accessible to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals.

(B) Specific Requirements. - In carrying out paragraph (A), the Secretary
shall -

(1). Provide for establishment of a relay for users of TDDs.

(2). Within ninety (90) days after the date of enactment of this Act, expand
such relay system by employing at least one additional operator.

(3) Within one hundred eighty (180) days after such date of enactment-

(a) Conduct, as part of the rule-making proceeding required by paragraph (A),
an analysis of modification to the National telecommunication system that
the secretary, in his discretions, determines to be necessary to achieve the objectives
of paragraph (A); and


(b) Submit report on the result of such analysis to each House of the
Congress.

(4) Within one hundred eighty (180) days after completion of such analysis
prescribed the regulations required by paragraph (A);

(5) Assemble, publish and maintain a directory of TDDs and other devices used
by National agencies to comply with such regulation, and publish in National agency
directories, access numbers of TDDs and such other devices; and

(6) Adopt the design of a standard logo to signify the presence of aTDD or
other device used by a national government agency to comply with such regulations,

SECTION 5. Additional Requirements.-

(A) Support for Research. - The Secretary shall seek to promote research by
government agencies and private entities to reduce the cost and improve the
capabilities of telecommunication devices and systems that provide accessibility to
hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals

(B) Planning to Assimilate Technological Development.- the Secretary, in’
planning future alterations to and modifications of the National telecommunications
system, shall take into account result of the analysis required by Section 3(B)(3) and
technological improvements in telecommunications devices and systems that provide
accessibility to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals.

SECTION 6. Inquiry Regarding Inter-Region TDD Relay System. - The
Department of Transportation and Communication within nine (9) months after the date
of enactment of this act, complete inquiry regarding an interstate relay system for users
of TDDs.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to,
or inconsistent with, the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended
accordingly.

SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause.- This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,