Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4425

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Representative Harlin Neil J. Abayon IIL

EXPLANATORY NOTE

While Automated Teller Machines in the country currently have Braille dots on the
keypad, they do not provide any non-visual method for reading or relaying the messages that
appear on the screen, making it difficult for visually impaired people to use them. In order to
promote assistive technology for the blind/visually impaired, the immediate passage of this bill is

earnestly sought

HARLIN NbwL, J. ABAYON IIL
Representative
AANGAT TAYO Party-list


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

ENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4425

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Neil J. Abayon III

AN ACT
MAKING AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES ACC
VISUALLY IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS

SIBLE TO THE

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

SECTION I. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “ATM Visually-Impaired Friendly Act”,

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. — The following terms shall have the following
meanings/interpretations

(a) BANKING INSTITUTION — shall mean a network of commercial, savings, and
specialized banks that provide financial services, including accepting deposits and
providing loans and credit, money transmission and investment facilities.

(b) VISUAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM ~ shall mean the graphic display of
information by an automated teller machine.

(c) AUDIO TRANSMISSION SYSTEM ~ shall mean a system that recites with sonic
clarity through a personal listening device substantially the same information that is
conveyed by a visual transmission system,

(d) PERSONAL LISTENING DEVICE ~ shall mean earphones or other similar receiver
designed to transmit audio information to an individual, which receiver is placed in
the individual's ear or held up to the ear such that only that individual can hear such
audio information.

SECTION 3. Automated Teller Machine Requirements — Every banking institution shall
maintain the following requirements with respect to each of the automated teller machines within
its dominion and control to provide equal access for all individuals:

(a) Any automated teller machine installed on or after the effectivity date of this Act shall
transmit any message through both (i) a visual transmission system, and (ii) an audio
transmission system.

(b) Any automated teller machine installed prior to the effective date of this Act shall,
whenever an upgrade or replacement of such automated teller machine becomes
necessary, be upgraded or replaced in such a manner so that such automated teller
machine shall transmit any message through both (i) a visual transmission system,
and (ii) an audio transmission system.


SECTION 4. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part thereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain
valid and subsisting,

SECTION 5, 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

SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,