Republic of the Philip
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

t
House Bill No. 2041

Introduced by HON. IRWIN C. TIENG
and HON. MARIANO MICHAEL M. VELARDE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As technology increases, more and more people rely on Automated Teller
Machines (ATMs) as a method for doing daily banking tasks. While many ATMs
currently have Braille labels indicating the functions of some buttons, most machines do
not have any non-visual method for reading or relaying the sequence of messages that
appear on the screen.

A law addressing this concern is not only prudent, but necessary, to ensu/e that
all individuals have an equal opportunity to access these machines especially now that
the Philippines has already ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). In fact, every December of each year, we
‘rate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in order for them to be part
of the mainstream society.

This Bill provides the standards for our ATMs to make them accessible. to our
visually impaired citizens.

In view of the urgency of this measure, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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IRWIN C. TIENG IARIANO MICHAEL M. VELARDE


REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2042
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. IRWIN C. TIENG
and HON. MARIANO MICHAEL M. VELARDE

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.

SECTION 1. 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:

(2) 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 (i)
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 (ji) 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,