EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez _
House Bill No. 3821
EXPLANATORY NOTE

The State recognizes the importance of the disabled sector For example, it
established the National Commission for Disabled Persons to ensure that the rights of the
handicapped are protected, and that all programs and services are universal and accessible
to all segments of society.

Aithough modern technology has created devices to cater to the special needs of
handicapped persons, they stil need assistance with communication facilities for the
hearing-impaired and speech-impaired.

This proposed measure seeks to make the national telecommunication system
available to the hearing-impaired and speech-impaired.

The early passage of this proposed measure is highly recommended

Ml,
RUFUS B. RO EZ


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriquez __

House Bill No. 3821

AN ACT
PROVIDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS ACCESSIBILITY TO THE HEARING-
IMPAIRED AND SPEECH-IMPAIRED

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Telecommunications
Accessibility Enhancement Act’

SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared as a policy of the State to provide
handicapped persons protection and assistance to hasten their integration info the
mainstream of society

SEC 3. Definition. - For the purpose of this Act, the following terms shall have the
corresponding definitions:

(1) “TDD” or Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf is a machine which employs
graphic communications in the transmission of coded signals through the
nationwide telecommunications system

(2) “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Transportation and Communications

SEC 4. National Telecommunications Systems Requirements. —

(a) Accessibilty of Telecommunication System — The Department of
Transportation and Communications (DOTC) shall issue the necessary rules
and regulations to assure that the national telecommunications system is fully
accessible to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals

(b) Specific Requirement — in carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall ~
(1) provide for establishment of a relay system for users of TDD's
(2) within ninety (90) days after the 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
subsection (a), analysis of modifications to the National
Telecommunications System that the Secretary, in his
discretion, determines to be necessary to achieve the
‘objectives of subsection (a), and,

(b) submit report on the results of such analysis to each House of
Congress

(4) within one hundred eighty (180) days after completion of such
analysis, prescribe the regulations required by subsection (2)

(5) assemble, publish and maintain a directory of TOD and other devices
used by national agencies to comply with such regulations, 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 a TDD
or other device used to comply with such regulations.

SEC 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 telecommunications 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 results of the
analysis required by Section 4 (b) (3) and any technological
improvements in telecommunications devices and systems that provide
accessibility to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals.

SEC 6. Separabllity Clause. — Any portion or provision of this Act that may be deciared
unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying other portions and provisions
hereof as long as such remaining portion or provision can still subsist and be given effect in
their entirety

SEC 7. Repealing Clause. — Any law. presidential decree or issuance, executive order.
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly

SEC 8. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved