SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC} 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
} 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No, 
2301 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
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'14 
JUL -7 
1110 :07 
MAKING 
AUTOMATED 
TELLER 
MACHINES 
ACCESSIBLE 
TO 
THE 
VISUALL Y·IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The advancement in technology enabled the visually-impaired people to use with 
ease a number of gadgets and facilities, thus lessening their dependence on 
other people and limiting the possibility of them being deceived by unscrupulous 
people. 
In line with the endeavor to empower the visually-impaired people, this measure 
seeks to make automated teller machines (ATMs) accessible to them by 
installing an audio transmission system in all ATMs to allow them to hear all the 
information and instructions being displayed visually. To ensure the security and 
confidentiality of the transaction, this audio transmission system shall have a 
personal listening device such as earphones such that only the depositor doing 
the transaction will be able to hear the said information and instructions. 
Compared to regular banks which operate on specific banking hours and days on 
specific locations, visually-impaired persons now have a choice to transact 
through ATMs which are available in strategic places and are accessible 24 
hours, 7 days a week, thus giving them wider and more convenient access to 
bank transactions. 
This measure was previously filed by Sen. Manny Villar in the 15th Congress. The 
immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Senator 


, 
, 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
SfnaTl' 
l/)ff,:t .f til' ;iom.tarv 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
'14 
JUL -7 AlO :07 
, 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
2301 
RECEIVED BY, . f. 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
MAKING 
AUTOMATED 
TELLER 
MACHINES 
ACCESSIBLE 
TO 
THE 
VISUALLY-IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Visually-Impaired 
2 
Friendly ATM Act'. 
3 
4 
5 
SEC. 2. Definition of Terms, - The following terms, as used in this Act, shall 
6 
mean: 
7 
8 
(a) "Banking Institution" - a network of commercial, savings, and specialized 
9 
banks that provide financial services, including accepting deposits and 
10 
providing loans and credit, money transmission and investment facilities; 
11 
12 
(b) "Visual Transmission System" - the graphic display of information by an 
13 
automated teller machine; 
14 
15 
(c) "Audio Transmission System" - a system that recites with sonic clarity 
16 
through a personal listening device substantially the same information that 
17 
is conveyed by a visual transmission system; 
18 
19 
(d) "Personal Listening Device" -
earphones or other similar receiver 
20 
designed to transmit audio information to an individual, which receiver is 
21 
placed in the individual's ear or held up to the ear such that only that 
22 
individual can hear such audio information, 
23 
24 
25 
SEC. 3. Automated Teller Machine Requirements. - Every banking institution 
26 
shall maintain the following requirements with respect to each of the automated 
27 
teller machines within its dominion and control to provide equal access for all 
28 
individuals: 
29 
30 
(a) Any automated teller machine installed on or after the effectivity date of 
31 
this Act shall transmit any message through both (i) a visual transmission 
32 
system, and (ii) an audio transmission system; 
33 


(b) Any automated teller machine installed prior to the effective date of this 
2 
Act shall, whenever an upgrade or replacement of such automated teller 
3 
machine becomes necessary, be upgraded or replaced in such a manner 
4 
so that such automated teller machine shall transmit any message through 
5 
both (i) a visual transmission system, and (ii) an audio transmission 
6 
system. 
7 
8 
9 
SEC. 4. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall at any time be 
10 
found to be unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder thereof not affected by such 
11 
declaration shall remain in full force and effect. 
12 
13 
14 
SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, rules or regulations inconsistent 
15 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
16 
17 
18 
SEC. 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
19 
following its complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
Approved, 
2