NINETEENTH  CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  _____ 
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 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 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. 
 RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
April 12, 2023
6:30 pm
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NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  _____ 
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 telecommunications system is fully
accessible to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals.
(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 ninety (90) days after the enactment of this Act, expand such
relay system by employing at least one additional operator;
(3)
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;
(4)
within one hundred eighty (180) days after completion of such analysis,
prescribe the 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 TDDs and such other
devices; and,
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(6) 
adopt the design of a standard logo to signify the presence of a TDD or 
other device used to comply with such regulations. 
 
SEC 5.  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,