THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator LmSA “LOI” P. EJERCITQ ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY MOTE 
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 seeks to make the national telecommunication system accessible to the 
hearing-impaired and speech-impaired. 
The immediate passage of this bill is therefore earnestly solicited. 
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L b 
LUISA “LOIT 
A 
Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
ao4 ‘JYitd 30 #Q :jg 
First Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T E  
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S .  B. No. 
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Introduced by Senator LUISA “LOT’ P. EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING TELECQMMUPTICATIONS SYSTEMS ACCESSIBILITY TO THE 
B[EARI!YGIIM[PAIRED AND SPEECH-IMPAIRED 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Cungress Assembled: 
SECTION 1. Shud Title- - This Act shall be known as the “Telecommunications 
Accessibility Enhancement Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration ofPolicy. . 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. De$nitiun. - 
(a) 
“TDD’ or Telecommunications Devices ic)r 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 
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Transportation and Communications shall issue the necessary rules and 
regulation to assure that the national telecommunications system is hlly 
accessible to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals. 
Specific Requirement - In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall - 
SECTION 5 
(a) 
provide for establishment of a relay system for users of TDD’s: 
within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, expand such 
relay system by employing at least one additional operator; 
within 180 days after such date of enactment -- 
(A)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 
(B) submit report on the results of such analysis to each House of 
the Congress. 
within 180 days after completion of such analysis, prescribe the 
regulations required by subsection (a); 
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 
adopt the design of a standard logo to signifl the presence of a 
TDD or other device used to comply with such regulations. 
Additional Requirements. - 
Support for Research. - The Secretary shall seek to promote 
research by government agencies and private entities to reduce the 
cost and improve the capabilities of telecommunications devices 
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and systems that provide accessibility 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 Telecommunications 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. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provisions 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, modified or amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Effecdvity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
GvlSLEEII violet disldtelecommunication accessibility enhancement 
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