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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

1681

House Bill No. ~~’

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

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

Although moder 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 proposed measure seeks to make the national telecommunication
system available to the hearing-impaired and speech-impaired

The early passage of this proposed measure is highly recommended

Tj,

RUFUS B, RODR\GUEZ

VW

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

1681

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo 8. Rodriguez, Jr.

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

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the
“Telecommunications Accessibility Enhancement Act’.

SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared as a policy of the
State to provide handicapped persons protection and assistance to hasten their
integration into the mainstream of society.

SEC 3. Definition. — For the purpose of this Act, the following terms shall
have the corresponding definitions:

(1) “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;

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

SEC 4. National Telecommunications Systems Requirements. -

(a) Accessibility of Telecommunication System - The Department of

Transportation and Communications (DOTC) shall issue the
necessary rules and regulations to assure that the national


(b)

telecommunications system is fully accessible to hearing-impaired
and speech-impaired individuals.

Specific Requirement — in carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary

shall =

a)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(6)

6)

provide for establishment of a relay system for users of
TDD's:

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

within one hundred eighty (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 Telecommunications 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 Congress;

within one hundred eighty (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 TDDs and such other devices; and,

adopt the design of a standard logo to signify the presence of
a TDD or other device used to comply with such regulations

SEC §. Additional Requirements. -

(a) 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 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

SEC 6. Separability Clause. — Any portion or provision of this Act that may
be declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying other
portions and provisions hereof as long as such remaining portion or provision can
still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

SEC 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

SEC 8. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.