Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session
House Bill No. 10544
Introduced by Honorable Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos
AN ACT MAKING AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES ACCESSIBLE TO THE VISUALLY-
IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Ensuring that automated teller machines (ATMs) are accessible to visually impaired
individuals is a critical aspect of fostering financial inclusion and upholding principles of
equality and nondiscrimination. This endeavor transcends mere compliance with legal
mandates—it embodies a fundamental commitment to serving diverse customer needs
while driving innovation within the banking industry.
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility
requirements for ATMs, including features such as speech output, tactile keypads, and
Braille instructions.1 Similarly, the United Kingdom (UK) has implemented accessibility
regulations for ATMs under the Equality Act 2010.2 Consequently, in Australia, banks have
implemented ATMs with tactile keypads and audio instructions, thereby facilitating
seamless transactions for visually impaired customers.3
Similar innovations are happening in Asia. Japanese banks have ATMs with advanced
features like voice guidance and Braille labels.4 In Singapore, "Talking ATMs" assist visually
impaired and elderly customers.5 Brunei has also adopted these ATMs, allowing voice-
activated transactions for tasks like cash withdrawals and balance checks.6
These efforts highlight the global commitment to inclusivity in banking, beyond legal
obligations, fostering independence for all customers, including those with disabilities.
As we reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the present moment calls for a heightened focus on
advancing the rights and freedoms of individuals with disabilities. It is imperative that we
safeguard their dignity and ensure their complete access to human rights and opportunities
as we reaffirm our commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities.
With this, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
HON. MA. ALANA SAMANTHA TALIÑO SANTOS
Representative, 3rd District of Cotabato
1https://www.duanemorris.com/alerts/mandatory_ADA_standards_on_accessibility_ATMs_visually_impaired_now
_in_effect_4437.html
2 https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmtreasy/1642/164208.htm
3 https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/employers/access-all-improving-accessibility-consumers-disability
4 https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/sustainability/social/customer/disability/
5 https://www.dbs.com/NewsPrinter.page?newsId=jy1w61p2&locale=en
6 https://www.lflegal.com/2012/01/brunei-talking-atm/
June 25, 2024
2:03 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session
House Bill No. 10544
Introduced by Honorable Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos
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. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "ATM Visually-Impaired Friendly
Act."
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. -
It is a policy of the State to protect Persons with
Disabilities (PWD) and promote their welfare and development. Moreso, the State should
ensure that PWDs may access technological innovations for the full and equal enjoyment on
using it.
Section 3. 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 4. 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) 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 5. Implementing Rules. – Within sixty (60) days from the enactment of this law, 
the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), together with other concerned agencies and 
stakeholders, shall develop implementing guidelines necessary to ensure compliance by 
the banks. Such rules shall also include administrative sanctions to be imposed against 
non-compliant banking institutions.
Section 6. 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 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, modifies or amended accordingly.
Section 8. Effective Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of national circulation.
Approved