Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
House Bill No. ____
Introduced by 
Rep. ROBERT NAZAL 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING ACCESSIBILITY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO THE 
BUILT ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORTATION, INFORMATION AND 
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND OTHER FACILITIES AND 
SERVICES OPEN OR PROVIDED TO THE PUBLIC, AMENDING  
FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344,  
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ACCESSIBILITY LAW 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
ln the Philippines, persons with disabilities (PWDs) represent at least twelve percent 
(12%) of the adult population aged 15 and above. This is based on the National 
Disability Prevalence Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority in 
2016-2018. They constantly face significant barriers in accessing education, health 
care, community and citizenship participation, and in seizing economic opportunities. 
In addition, due to the lack of support services, persons with disabilities who require 
personal assistance have to rely on their family members who in turn have to reduce 
their working hours, or stop working altogether to provide such support.  
PWDs and their families incur significant additional disability costs related to 
accessing essential services, seeking and retaining employment, and participating in 
society. These costs include private transportation, support for accessing information 
and communication, assistive devices, and human assistance. Overall, persons with 
disabilities have less income and more expenses than those without disabilities, 
which greatly increases their vulnerability, and undermines their economic 
empowerment and ability to rise out of poverty. 
Accordingly, the government has enacted various legislation to provide PWDs with 
the opportunity to participate in mainstream society and to support their total 
well-being. Among the various measures that were adopted by the government are 
the granting of five percent (5%) to twenty percent (20%) disability discount on 
various services and commodities, granting of tax exemptions, and the mandatory 
and subsidized PhilHealth membership.  
While the above mentioned measures contribute to improving the socio-economic 
situation of PWDs, they still have significant limitations. For one, while the mandatory 
PhilHealth membership is supposed to cover the healthcare needs of persons with 
July 1, 2025
6:05 pm
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disabilities, barriers to actually access these services remain unaddressed. For 
another, the benefits of the disability discount and tax exemptions are felt mainly by 
PWDs who already have a certain level of income and purchasing power. The 
proposed objectives of the bill are as follows: 
A.
To ensure that private entities that offer facilities and services which are open or
provided to the public take into account all aspects of accessibility for persons
with disabilities;
B.
To provide training for stakeholders on accessibility issues facing persons with
disabilities;
C.
To provide in buildings and other facilities open to the public signage in Braille
and in easy-to-read and -understand forms;
D.
To provide forms of live assistance and intermediaries, including guides,
readers and professional sign language interpreters, to facilitate accessibility to
buildings and other facilities open to the public;
E.
To promote other appropriate forms of assistance and support to persons with
disabilities to ensure their access to information;
F.
To promote access for persons with disabilities to new information and
communications technologies and systems, including the Internet; and
G.
To promote the design, development, production and distribution of accessible
information and communications technologies and systems at an early stage,
so that these technologies and systems become accessible at minimum cost.
Likewise, the participation of persons with disabilities in the development of the 
implementing rules and regulations, and monitoring and evaluation of the proposed 
law is an important factor to ensure progressive realization of an environment that will 
allow them to live independently in the community with accessibility and 
inclusiveness for all. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Rep. ROBERT NAZAL 
Bagong Henerasyon Party-List 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
House Bill No. ____
Introduced by 
Rep. ROBERT NAZAL 
AN ACT PROVIDING ACCESSIBILITY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO 
THE 
BUILT ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORTATION, INFORMATION AND 
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND OTHER FACILITIES AND SERVICES 
OPEN OR PROVIDED TO THE PUBLIC AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
ACCESSIBILITY LAW 
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 "Accessible Environment for All Persons with 
Disabilities Act". 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. 
lt is the policy of the State to adopt universally designed facilities and services open 
or provided to the public and the development of policies and plans promoting 
universal design concepts in the implementation of actions and measures pertaining 
to accessibility of the physical environment for all persons. 
Towards this end, the State shall facilitate the attainment of a barrier-free 
environment that will enable all persons to have access to public and private 
buildings for public use, establishments, and facilities. It shall exert efforts to remove 
all social, cultural, economic, environmental and attitudinal barriers that are 
prejudicial to persons with disabilities. Likewise, the State shall take appropriate 
measures for the integration of persons with disabilities into mainstream of society. 
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Furthermore, the State shall take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with 
disabilities have access, on an equal basis with others, to the built environment, to 
transportation, to information and communications, including information and 
communication technologies and systems, and to other facilities and services open 
or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas.  
 
SECTION 3. Coverage. 
 
This Act applies to all government and privately owned buildings for public use 
including common areas in residential condominiums, buildings, roads, and other 
indoor and outdoor facilities including schools, public libraries, housing, medical 
facilities, restaurants, theaters, parks, workplaces, transportation, information and 
communications, including information and communications technologies and 
systems, and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in 
urban and rural areas. 
 
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. 
 
For purposes of this Act: 
 
A.​
Accessibility refers to the infrastructure that enables persons with disabilities to 
live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life.  
 
B.​
Accessible Environment refers to the infrastructure such as the built 
environment, including Information and Communications Technology that 
enables persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all 
aspects of life.  
 
C.​
Barrier-Free Environment refers to the environment that is unhindered, without 
obstructions to enable persons with disabilities free passage or use of the 
facilities. 
  
D.​
Built environment refers to the structure. It is the part of the physical 
environment that is constructed by human activity. By one definition, the built 
environment consists of the following elements: land use patterns, the 
distribution across space of activities and the buildings that house them; the 
transportation system, the physical infrastructure of roads, sidewalk, bike paths, 
etc., as well as the service this system provides; and urban design, the 
arrangement and appearance of the physical elements in a community.  
 
E.​
Accessible ICT practices refer to measures that remove access barriers that 
restrict business and social interactions between persons with disabilities and 
non-disabled individuals. They also refer to practices that remove age-related 
barriers to participation in society, and reduce language and literacy-related 
barriers in society. An example of accessible ICT practice is the use of 
descriptive text for images, Braille, large print, human-reader and augmentative 
and alternative formats. Accessible ICT practices apply to programs, products 
and services in various areas, such as education, employment, transportation, 
telecommunications, and other forms of infrastructure. For the web, accessible 
ICT practices include internationally accepted practices, such as the voluntary 


ISO accessibility practices in information technology and the Web Content 
Accessibility Guidelines Version 2.0 of the World Wide Web Consortium, as well 
as the mandatory Joint Memorandum Circular 01 (series 2010) on Accessible 
Website Design Guidelines.  
 
F.​
Facility/Service users shall pertain to individuals using the facilities including 
information and communication systems of the public institutions and private 
establishments.  
 
G.​
Persons with Disabilities refer to those who have long term physical, mental, 
intellectual or sensory impairments, which in interactions to various barriers may 
hinder their full and effective participation on an equal basis with others.  
 
H.​
Providers refer to public institutions, private establishments and facilities 
providing programs and services open or provided to the public. 
 
I.​
Sign Language Interpreter refers to a person trained in translating from a 
spoken to a signed language to facilitate communication between a deaf and a 
hearing person.  
 
J.​
Transportation and Facilities refer to land, road, rail, sea and air transportation 
serving the general public, including facilities and other services for passengers 
with disabilities to complete their travel with ease and on an equal basis with 
others; (the use of facility users is to break the stigma that it is only for persons 
with disabilities.  
 
K.​
Universal Design is the design of products, environments, programs and 
services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the 
need for adaptation or specialized design. Universal design shall include 
assistive devices for particular groups of persons with disabilities where this is 
needed. 
 
L.​
Web Accessibility is the application of accessibility principle in the website such 
as providing for adjustment of font sizes, audio options and others to facilitate 
users' equal access to information and communication regardless of abilities 
and disabilities. 
 
SECTION 5. Granting of Permit and Licenses To Build, Renovate and Operate 
Building Establishments and Public Transport to Ensure Accessibility. 
 
ln order to promote the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities to 
participate fully in the society and in the development of the societies in which they 
live and the enjoyment of the opportunities on an equal basis with others, the 
following shall be complied with and fulfilled by all concerned individuals, and 
government and private entities: 
 
1.​
No license or permit shall be granted or issued, unless the owner or operator 
thereof shall include the installation and incorporation of accessibility features in 
the design and work plan for the construction, repair or renovation of public and 
private buildings for public use. These accessibility features must be included in 


securing permits and license to build structures such as, but not limited to: 
 
A.​
All educational institutions, especially public schools, state universities, 
training institutions accredited by TESDA, DEPED and Commission on 
Higher Education, and other educational and training institutions; 
B.​
All airports and terminals for buses, trains, ships and ferries and other 
forms of public transport; 
C.​
Recreation centers, sports complexes, gymnasia, public multipurpose 
halls; 
D.​
Evacuation centers;  
E.​
Shopping centers, public markets, and related establishments; 
F.​
Public parking places, parks, tourist destinations and accommodations, 
and restaurants; 
G.​
Government offices, workplaces, action centers and all facilities that 
provide services to the public; 
H.​
Hospitals, barangay health units, diagnostic centers, medical clinics, 
rehabilitation, and other facilities intended for the public; and  
I.​
Public utility vehicles such as aircraft, buses, trains, public jeepneys, and 
other local mode of transportation. 
 
2.​
In all buildings, establishments, institutions, and other facilities for construction 
or renovation, the following accessibility features shall be installed to enhance 
the mobility and safety of all persons with disabilities: 
 
A.​
Parking Space for vehicles conveying persons with disabilities using 
mobility devices or driven by drivers with disabilities;  
B.​
Ramps with handrails;  
C.​
Elevator; 
D.​
Directional Tactile leading to toilets, stairs, elevators, and other facilities 
E.​
Wheelchair Accessible toilets with grab bars (at least 2 cubicles in 
common toilets for male and female) with sink wash area accessible for 
wheelchair users and other types of disabilities;  
F.​
Non-skid tiles on walkways and inside the toilets;  
G.​
Entrance door in compliance with the agreed measurements;  
H.​
Wheelchair accessible rooms for hotels and accommodation;  
I.​
Audio warning signals;  
J.​
Signages usable by people with all types of disabilities; and 
K.​
Any other accessibility features which may hereafter be developed, 
recognized, and widely used in accordance with national or international 
accessibility standards, including those based on emerging technologies 
and inclusive design principles. 
 
3.​
All operators of public transportation shall ensure availability of vehicles with 
accessibility features for people with all types of disabilities for their safety, ease 
of boarding and disembarkation. 
 
4.​
A twenty-five percent (25%) discount in form of tax rebate, shall be granted on 
the first three years of registration for vehicles with accessibility features, such 
as buses, jeepneys, tricycles and other modes of transportation for the public 
provided that such features such as lifts, ramps, and safety belts are certified 


safe by the supplier. 
 
SECTION 6. Accessibility in Buildings intended for public use. 
 
All buildings as defined in the Building Code of the Philippines, sports and 
recreational facilities, including outdoor and indoor facilities provided or open to the 
public shall be made accessible and safe to all facility users including children, older 
persons, and persons with disabilities by providing ramps, tactile guides, priority 
lanes, accessible toilets, audio instructions, signages, and other forms of 
communication in accessible formats to facilitate independent mobility in the facility. 
 
Universally designed products, features, and facilities shall be incorporated in the 
design and construction of all government and privately owned buildings for public 
use, transportation facilities, and all other public components of the built environment. 
 
Service providers, whenever necessary, shall make available forms of live assistance 
and intermediaries, including guides, readers, and certified sign language interpreters 
and service guide dogs to facilitate accessibility to buildings, transportation, 
information communications, and other facilities open to the public. 
 
SECTION 7. Accessibility to Transportation. 
 
All land, sea and air transport vehicles such as public utility vehicles, jeepneys, 
buses, trains, ships, airplanes and other common carriers open for public use shall 
have accessibility features and mechanisms as deemed necessary to facilitate safe 
boarding and disembarkation of persons with disabilities without any form of 
discrimination. 
 
All Service providers and operators of public transportation and implementing 
agencies are required to provide training to their personnel on assisting persons with 
disabilities in terminals during boarding and disembarkation. 
 
SECTION 8. Accessible Communication. 
 
All government institutions and private establishments providing services to the 
public shall consider ICT accessible practices by making available accessible 
information and communications technologies including computers to facilitate 
accessible telecommunication and accessible broadcasting services to all persons 
with disabilities. It shall ensure compliance with Republic Act No. 10905, otherwise 
known as, "An Act Requiring All Franchise Holders or Operators of Television 
Stations and Producers of Television Programs to Broadcast or Present their 
Programs with Closed Captions Option, and For Other Purposes."  
 
The Department of Information, Communication Technology (DICT) should conduct a 
research and development with appropriate agencies in lCT. 
 
All national and local government offices shall consider accessibility for persons with 
disabilities in providing public information by making available information materials 
in accessible formats, providing sign language interpretation and ensuring website 
accessibility for all users. Compliance to Republic Act No. 11006, also known as the 


Filipino Sign Language Law, shall be observed and included in monitoring and 
evaluation of this Act.  
 
Service providers for telecommunication, broadcasting, information, computer and 
other information technology devices shall make efforts to take into account 
accessibility for persons with disabilities in providing services or manufacturing 
devices on the basis of usability; 
 
Information and communication technology devices, hardware and other components 
shall be designed appropriately for the ease of use of persons with disabilities. 
 
SECTION 9. Access Audit Teams. 
 
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through its Regional Offices 
shall lead the creation of Access Audit Teams in coordination with the local 
government units to monitor the full implementation of the law. The Access Audit 
Teams shall include representatives from the Department of Transportation, DICT, 
and persons with disabilities to participate in the assessment of accessibility of 
facilities. 
 
SECTION 10. Penalty clause. 
 
Any person violating any provision of this Act or of the rules and regulations shall 
suffer the following penalties: 
 
For the first violation, a fine of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP 
250,000.00) but not exceeding Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 500,000.00) or 
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than two (2) years, or both 
at the discretion of the court; 
 
For any subsequent violation, a fine of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(PhP 500,000.00) but not exceeding One Million Pesos (PhP 1,000,000.00) or 
imprisonment for not less than two (2) years but not more than six (6) years, or both 
at the discretion of the court. 
 
Any person who abuses the privileges granted herein shall be punished with 
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months or a fine of not less than Five Thousand 
Pesos (PhP 5,000.00) but not more than Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP 50,000.00), or 
both at the discretion of the court. 
 
If the violator is a corporation, organization or any similar entity, the officers including 
the building administrator and local government unit building officials thereof directly 
involved shall be held liable. 
 
If the violator is an alien or a foreigner, he shall be deported immediately after service 
of sentence without further deportation proceedings. 
 
SECTION 11. Appropriations. 
 
All government agencies shall include in their budget the amount necessary to 


implement this Act. Thereafter, such amount shall be included in the General 
Appropriations Act. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), 
Commission on Audit (COA) and National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) shall 
monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. 
 
The DPWH in coordination with DOTr, DICT, with the Department of Interior and 
Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepED) and NCDA and Civil 
Society 
Organizations 
and 
Disabled 
People's 
Organizations 
(CSO/DPO) 
representatives shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of the provisions of this Act.  
 
SECTION 13. Separability Clause. 
 
If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law 
or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and in effect.  
 
SECTION 14. Repealing Clause. 
 
Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of instruction, 
administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provision of 
this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.  
 
SECTION 15. Effectivity Clause. 
 
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation.  
 
Approved,