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

+ HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES
House Bill No. 3B 69

Intfpduced by: HON. MA. THERESA B. BONOAN
4" District, City of Manila

EXPLANATORY NOTE

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

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

This bill secks to make the national telecommunication system accessible to
the hearing-impaired and speech-impaired,

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

HON. MA. THERESA B. BONOAN
4th District, City of Manila


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Sessi

HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES
House Bill No. __ 886

Introduced by: HON. MA. THERESA B. BONOAN
4" District, City of Manila

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

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “7elecommunications
Accessibility Enhancement Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to provide handicapped
persons protection and assistance to hasten their integration into the mainstream of
society.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the term:
(A) “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.

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

SECTION 4. National Telecommunications Systems Requirements -

(a) Accessibility of Telecommunication System. - The Department of Transportation.
and Communications shall issue the necessary rules and regulation to assure
that the national telecommunications system is highly accessible to hearing-
impaired and speech-impaired individuals.

2


(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 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, expand such relay
system by employing at least one additional operator;

3. within 180 days after#Malt date of enactment —

i, conduct, as. part of the rule-making proceeding required by
subsection (a), analysis of modifications to the National
Telecommunication. System that the Secretary, in his discretion,
determines to be necessary to achieve the objectives of subsection (a):
and 5

submit report on the results of such analysis to each House of the
ingress,

ribe the

4, within 180 days after completion of such analysis, pres
regulations required by subsection (a);

5. assemble, publish and maintain a -directory of TDD and other devices
used by national agencies to comply with such regulations, and publish in
national agency directories, access numbers of TDD’s 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.

SECTION 5. Additional Requirements. -

a) Support for Research. - The Secretary shall seek to promote research by
‘governygent agencies and private entities to reduce the cost and improve the
capabiSs of telecommunications devices and systems that _ provide
accesgil 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
Tetecommunications 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.



SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or other
issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions ofthis Act are hereby repealed
or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7, Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall
remain in force and effect.

SECTION 8 - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation in the Philippines.

Approved.