Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
Introduced by HON. EDGAR M. CHATTO 
First District, Bohol 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This proposed measure, the Universal Accessibility Act of 2023, seeks to 
update BP 344, a 1980s law which required the installation of facilities in 
certain buildings, institutions, establishments, public utilities to enhance the mobility of 
disabled persons  Unfortunately, several provisions and specifications under the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations of BP 344 are no longer adequate to meet the 
needs of the different categories of persons with disabilities. Moreover, there are new 
forms of establishments which are not catered to under BP 344 as the specifications 
therein are based on American standards and are not fit for Asian statures in terms 
of heights and elevations. There is an urgent need to update the existing accessibility 
law and policy framework to promote and uphold the rights of persons with 
disabilities, the elderly, and persons with special needs concerning their mobility, 
independence, safety, and convenience. 
According to the World Report on Disability, an estimated 15% of the world's 
population are persons with disabilities (PWDs). This means that in 2019, out of 
7,725,769,779 people worldwide, there are 1.15 billion persons with disabilities. I n  
t h e  Philippines,  as of the 2019 census, 15% or 16.25 million Filipinos out of the 
population of 108,336,840 (www.worldometers.info/world-population/philippines-
population) are living with disabilities. These figures keep growing as more children 
with disabilities are born and more are becoming sick and older and are acquiring 
disabilities. Persons with disabilities are indeed the world's largest minority.  The sad 
reality, however, is that anyone can become a member of this sector at any time 
without warning. 
There are many medical advances that have aided the lengthening of the life 
span of Filipinos and people in general, thus, more and more people will be 
expected to live to a ripe old age  but with the aid of mobility devices. Yet mobility 
devices will not take us very far-and neither will our families-unless we had the ease 
of movement provided by accessible and barrier-free environments everywhere in 
our built environment. If we are to ensure that we retain as much as possible the same 
quality of life we had when we were more able, it is but imperative that we thoroughly 
build and create accessible environments now. 
The introduction and the application of Universal Design,  a "design for all", if 
properly done lends itself to an accessible, barrier-free environment and especially 
tourism, a vital industry in the Philippines as it will allow persons with disabilities and 
older persons to travel to whatever place, attraction or event without fear of barriers 
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and unfriendly and unsafe accommodations.  In fact, thirty percent (30%) of the 
population would travel more when the environment would be better accessible. To 
achieve the objective of accessible tourism, the whole service chain must be accessible, 
from information about offers, events, destinations and transport to get there. 
Barrier-free Tourism also gives financial incentives to the business sector to create 
more accessible and friendly built environments and employment opportunities 
allowing for inclusion of people with special needs. It is thus a strategy in the 
creation of more accessible environments that is useful for all and, therefore, 
enhances the Philippines' competitiveness in the tourism industry in the Asia-
Pacific Region (Leidner, Rudiger. The Rolling Rains Report, ETHICAL: Barrier-free 
Tourism).   
 
Moreover, the global trend and call for the application of Universal Designs for 
persons with disabilities is based on the  three (3) international covenants, namely, the 
Biwako Millenium Framework in 2007, the United Nations Convention on the 
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2008 where the Philippines is a 
signatory, called for the implementation of universal and inclusive design in the 
built environment in both urban and rural areas and the promotion of Barrier-Free 
Tourism (BFT), and the Incheon Strategy of 2012 in the built environment to 
enhance the dignity, independence, mobility, safety, and convenience of persons with 
disabilities, whether apparent or non-apparent, senior citizens, women and 
children, thus, hastening inclusion and encouraging participation in most ordinary 
human endeavors, such as education, employment, voting, culture, sports, 
recreation, tourism, and disaster risk reduction and management.  Universal 
Design contributes to the 10th  and 11th Philippine Sustainable Development Goals 
which is to reduced inequalities and sustainable cities and communities. 
 
The correct and strict application of Universal Design in the built 
environment elevates not only the quality of life for everyone--young and old, locals 
and tourists, persons with and without mobility impairments alike--it also elevates our 
country to world-class standards. As the Land Transportation Guidelines for the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia says: 
 
“Universal accessibility is essential for 10%, supportive to 40%, and  
comfortable to 100% of the population.” 
 
Admittedly, the Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, the Accessibility Law and its 
Implementing Rules and Regulations are now insufficient in providing barrier-free 
environments with the appropriate architectural or structural features specific for 
the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly. 
 
There is an urgent need to update the existing accessibility law and the policy 
framework to promote and uphold the rights of persons with disabilities, the 
elderly, and persons with special needs and address issues concerning their mobility, 
independence, safety, and convenience. 
 
Thus, the approval of this bill is strongly recommended. 
 
 
 
 
HON. EDGAR M. CHATTO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
Introduced by HON. EDGAR M. CHATTO 
First District, Bohol 
AN ACT 
PRESCRIBING THE UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINICIPLES, STANDARDS, 
SPECIFICATIONS, AND POLICIES FOR THE CREATION OF BARRIER-FREE 
ENVIRONMENTS TO ENHANCE THE DIGNITY, INDEPENDENCE, 
MOBILITY, SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE OF PERSONS WITH SPECIAL 
NEEDS, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATIONS THEREOF, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title.  - This Act shall be known and referred to as the 
"Universal Accessibility Act of 2023". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of  Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to promote the full inclusion, participation, and non-discrimination of all persons, 
especially persons with disabilities, in various aspects and processes of society. 
It is further declared that the State shall endeavor to apply and mainstream 
Universal Design principles, standards, and policies to ensure and enhance the 
dignity, independence, mobility, safety, and convenience of persons with apparent 
or non-apparent disabilities, senior citizens, women, children, and other sectors, 
thereby creating in the process an environment conducive to accessible, barrier-
free and inclusive tourism. 
SEC. 3. Definition Of Terms. - 
1.
ACCESSIBLE. It refers to an independent approach, entry, evacuation
and/or use of a building and its services and facilities, by all of the
building's potential users with an assurance of individual health,
safety and welfare during 
the 
course 
of 
those 
activities.
Accessibility is a precondition for persons with disabilities to live
independently and participate fully and equally in society.
2.
BARRIER-FREE. It refers to a design for those with physical or other
disabilities, involving the provision of alternative means of access to
steps such as ramps and elevators for those with mobility problems.
It is also a design or plan so that people with disabilities are not
prevented from using and accessing establishments.
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3. BARRIER-FREE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM. It refers to an 
ongoing endeavor to ensure tourist destinations, products and 
services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical 
limitations, disabilities or age. It enables people with access 
requirements, including mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive 
dimensions of access, to function independently and with equity 
and dignity through the delivery of universally designed tourism 
products, services and environments. This definition is inclusive of 
all people including those travelling with children in prams, 
people with disabilities and seniors. This is used interchangeably 
with "Accessible Tourism", "Inclusive Tourism", "Adapted 
Tourism", "Tourism for All", "Easy Access Tourism", and 
"Universal Tourism." 
 
4. CATEGORIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.  It refers to the 
categories of disability dictate the varied measures to be adopted to 
create an accessible environment for persons with disabilities, who may 
be classified into those who have: 
a.  Impairments requiring confinement to wheelchairs; or 
b.  Impairments causing difficulty or insecurity in walking or climbing 
stairs or requiring the use of braces, crutches or other artificial 
supports; or impairments caused by amputation, arthritis, spastic 
conditions or pulmonary, cardiac or other ills rendering individuals 
semi-ambulatory; or 
c. Total or partial impairments of hearing or sight causing insecurity or 
likelihood of exposure to danger in public places; or 
d. Impairments due to conditions of aging and incoordination; and may 
not be immediately apparent; and 
e. Mental impairments whether acquired or congenital in nature.  
 
5. ERGONOMIC. It refers to an applied science concerned with designing 
and arranging things people use so that people and things interact most 
efficiently and safely. 
 
6. UNIVERSAL DESIGN. It refers to a design process that enables and 
empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, 
health and wellness, and social participation for the purpose of 
creating products, systems, and environments to be as usable as 
possible by people regardless of age, ability or situation.  It is 
governed by seven (7) principles, namely: 
a.   Equitable Use 
b. Flexibility in Use 
c. Simple and Intuitive Use 
d. Perceptible Information 
e. Tolerance for Error 
f. Low Physical Effort 
 g.  Size and Space for Approach and Use 
 
SEC. 4. Scope And Application. - The Universal Design principles, 
standards, specifications and policies mandated under this Act shall apply to the 
following: 


 
1. 
Public and private buildings and related structures for or open to 
public use or the general public, irrespective of type, use, and 
purpose, including all government buildings, whether owned or 
leased by the government, and public facilities such as roads, curb 
ramps, sidewalks, pedestrian bridges; 
2. Places of accommodation and retirement homes; 
3. Public housing projects, which shall be required to be readily 
convertible for compliance specifically for toilets, lavatories, and 
showers; 
4. Passenger transportation & travel facilities; 
5. Tourism sites and facilities; 
6. Private buildings with certain portions open to the public including 
condominium units, which shall be required to be have its facilities be 
readily convertible for compliance specifically toilets, lavatories and 
showers; and 
7. Building and related structures to be repaired or renovated including 
those proposed for a change of occupancy. 
 
SEC. 5.  Exemptions Compliance. - As a general rule, no permit for the 
construction, repair or renovation of public and private buildings and related 
structures for public use, whether owned or leased, shall be granted or issued, 
unless the owner thereof shall have provided the universal barrier-free facilities and 
accessibility features. 
 
However, for reasons of safety, risk and health, the provisions of this Law shall 
not apply to the following, provided it is certified by the Building Official or the 
Structural Engineer of the Office of the Building Official: 
 
1. 
Construction sites and related structures; 
2. Repair or renovation work which consists only of heating, ventilating 
and air conditioning systems, including those which may be required 
only with respect to fire panic and explosion safety for existing 
spaces; 
3. Areas used for purposes of life safety, fire safety, including but not 
limited to observation of lookout galleries, prison guard towers, fire 
towers or lifeguard stands, and loading docks; 
4. Equipment rooms and machinery spaces in plants and factories; 
5. When the capacity or strength of any major structural component, 
such as slabs, beams, girders, columns, bearing walls and footing of 
the building or structure will be diminished during a renovation; 
6. Where the requirements for accessibility in the Rules will create an 
unreasonable hardship in design or construction; and 
7. When there is a legal constraint which would not allow compliance 
with these regulations. 
 
SEC. 6. Education and Awareness Raising on Universal Design 
Standards of Accessibility. - All public and private colleges and universities 
offering and teaching interior design, architecture, civil engineering and related 
courses shall include in its curriculum a subject on universal accessibility laws. The 
Commission on Higher Education shall issue rules and regulations to ensure that 
this Act shall be properly taught in colleges and universities aforementioned. 


 
Within a period of one (1) year from effectivity of this Act, the Department on 
Public Works and Highways shall conduct fora, symposia, seminars, and other 
awareness-raising activities to government agencies, local government units, non-
government 
organizations, 
contractors, 
architects, 
engineers, 
and 
other 
stakeholders on the pertinent provisions of this Act. 
 
SEC. 7.  Incentives. How Availed. - 
 
1. Tax credits shall be used to offset national or local business taxes 
to private establishments that have implemented and complied with 
the renovations and with the universal standard.  
2. Certifications issued by the Office of the Building Official together 
with an accredited non-government organization or person 
engaged in PWD accessibility advocacy that the establishment has 
undertaken repairs and renovations and has fully complied with 
the universal standards and specification under this law. 
 
SEC. 8.  Implementation and Monitoring. - This 
Act 
shall 
be 
implemented by the following government agencies: 
 
1. The Department of Public Works and Highways shall be 
responsible for the compliance of all national roads and highways, 
pedestrian bridges or overpasses, curb ramps, ramps and 
handrails, crossings and their inter­ connectivity. It shall ensure 
that all the aforementioned facilities, pending and upcoming, 
shall be fully compliant with this Act. 
2. The Office of the Building Official in all local government units 
shall be 
responsible in ensuring that all establishments within its territorial 
jurisdiction shall comply with the universal design and standards 
mandated in this Act.  
3. The Department of Tourism shall implement and monitor the 
compliance of all tourism and tourism-related enterprises with the 
universal designs and standards and barrier-free tourism policies 
under this Act. Compliance with this Act shall be a requirement for 
accreditation or renewal of such accreditation to operate as a tourism 
enterprise/facility. 
4. The Department of Transportation and its component agencies shall 
implement and monitor compliance of the universal standards and 
design for the transportation sector.  
5. The National Council on Disability Affairs shall monitor the 
implementation of universal design in coordination with the 
responsible government agencies.  
 
SEC. 10. Persons or Individuals Liable for Any Violation of this 
Act. - 
 
1. For Buildings/Establishment/Structure: 
a. Owner or Operator of the Building, Establishment or Structure 
b. Contractor 
c. Architect 


d. Engineer 
e. 
Building Official or Other Public Official in-charge with the 
issuance of building permit, registration, certification and/or 
inspection of the building, establishment or structure 
 
2. For Air, Land and Sea Transportation: 
 
a. Owner/Operator of Public Transportation 
b. Body builders 
c. Safety Officers/Engineering/Managers 
d. Drivers/Conductors/Conductresses 
e. 
Public Official in-charge with the issuance of permits, 
registration, certification 
and 
inspection of the public 
transportation 
 
SEC. 12. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act be found 
unconstitutional by a court of law, such provisions shall be severed from the 
remainder of the Act, and such action shall not affect the enforceability of the 
remaining provisions of this Act. 
 
SEC. 13.  Repealing Clause. -  This Act shall repeal Batas Pambansa 344, An 
Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, 
Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices is 
hereby repealed. 
 
 All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders and rules and regulations 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
 
SEC. 14. Effectivity Clause. - This act shall take effect within 15 days after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.