Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10503 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
As a nation that prides itself on valuing every citizen’s dignity and human rights, it is imperative 
that we ensure equal access to public entertainment and cultural experiences for all, including the hearing 
impaired. Mandating subtitles for the hearing impaired in all movie theatres across the Philippines is an 
essential step toward a more inclusive society. This legislative proposal seeks to address the current gaps 
in accessibility and promote inclusivity by providing the hearing impaired community with the means to 
fully enjoy and participate in one of the most popular forms of public entertainment—cinema. 
The 1987 Philippine Constitution upholds the principle of equal protection under the law and the 
right to access public services. Specifically, Article II, Section 11 mandates the State to value the dignity 
of every human person and guarantee full respect for human rights. Additionally, Republic Act No. 7277, 
known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, obligates the State to promote the welfare of persons 
with disabilities (PWDs), including ensuring their right to access information and cultural activities. 
Despite these legal frameworks, the hearing impaired population in the Philippines continues to face 
significant barriers in accessing public entertainment, particularly in movie theaters where subtitles are 
not consistently provided. 
According to the 2010 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the Philippine Statistics 
Authority, approximately 1.57% of the population, or about 1.44 million Filipinos, live with some form of 
disability. A considerable portion of this demographic is hearing impaired. Despite their numbers, they 
remain underserved in public entertainment venues, particularly movie theatres, where the absence of 
subtitles excludes them from fully enjoying and understanding films. This lack of accessibility not only 
deprives them of entertainment but also alienates them from shared cultural experiences that are pivotal in 
fostering social integration and inclusion. 
June 4, 2024
10:25 am


The primary objective of this bill is to rectify this inequity by mandating that all movie producers 
provide subtitles for all films shown in the Philippines. This initiative aligns with the principles enshrined 
in the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and aims to cultivate a more inclusive society by ensuring that 
the hearing impaired can equally access and enjoy cinematic experiences.  
This proposed legislation stipulates that all movie producers must provide subtitles for all films, 
otherwise they will not be permitted to be shown in the country. To enforce compliance, the Film 
Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Movie and Television Review and Classification 
Board (MTRCB) will conduct regular inspections and audits. Penalties for non-compliance will include 
fines and potential suspension of operating licenses. The bill also allows a one-year grace period from its 
enactment to provide movie producers with sufficient time to implement the necessary changes. 
Implementing mandatory subtitles will significantly enhance accessibility for the hearing 
impaired, allowing them to enjoy films fully and participate in cultural discussions. By fostering an 
inclusive environment, this bill will facilitate the integration of hearing impaired individuals into 
mainstream society, enriching their cultural experiences and broadening their understanding and 
appreciation of the arts. This legislative measure is not just about providing access; it is about affirming 
the rights and dignity of every individual, ensuring that all Filipinos have the opportunity to partake in the 
cultural fabric of the nation. 
By mandating that movie producers provide subtitles, we uphold the values of equality and 
inclusivity enshrined in our Constitution and laws. This bill ensures that every Filipino, regardless of their 
hearing ability, can participate fully in cultural and recreational activities.  
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10503 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT REQUIRING MOVIE PRODUCERS TO PROVIDE SUBTITLES FOR ALL FILMS 
SHOWN IN THE COUNTRY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HEARING IMPAIRED AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of file Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Movie Accessibility Act of 
2024." 
 SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. –  It is the policy of the State to ensure that persons with 
disabilities, particularly those who are hearing impaired, are given equal opportunities to 
participate in cultural and entertainment activities. The State shall adopt measures to provide 
accessible entertainment options to enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities.  
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
a.
“Movie theater” refers to any establishment that screens films to the public
b. “Subtitles” refer to the text displayed on screen representing the dialogue and
other relevant audio information.
c.
“Hearing impaired” refers to individuals with partial or total inability to hear.


  
SEC. 4. Mandatory Subtitling.  – All movie producers are required to provide subtitles 
for the benefit of the hearing impaired in all films screened in the country, ensuring accessibility 
for all patrons. These subtitles must be in the same language as the primary audio of the film or 
an appropriate language commonly used in the Philippines, and should include dialogue, relevant 
sound effects, and musical cues, enhancing the movie-watching experience for individuals with 
hearing impairments. 
 
 
No movie theatre shall allow the screening of any film, whether locally produced or 
foreign, anywhere in the Philippines without the subtitles required under this Section.  
 
SEC. 5. Implementation and Compliance. – Movie producers shall comply with the 
requirements of this Act within one (1) year from the effectivity thereof. The Department of 
Trade and Industry (DTI), in coordination with the National Council on Disability Affairs 
(NCDA) and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), shall issue 
the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act, facilitating a 
smooth transition towards accessibility. The DTI will also conduct regular inspections to ensure 
compliance and impose penalties for violations, ensuring accountability and adherence to the 
law. 
 
        SEC. 6. Penalties. – Any movie theater that allows the screening of any film in 
contravention with the provisions of this Act shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty 
Thousand Pesos (₱50,000) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (₱100,000) for each 
violation. Repeated violations may result in the suspension or cancellation of the license or 
permit to operate of the movie theater. 
 
 
In case the offender is a corporation, partnership or association, or any other juridical 
person, the president, manager, administrator, or person-in-charge of the management of the 
business who knowingly and willfully voted or assented or acted with bad faith and gross 
negligence to the unlawful act punishable under this Act shall be liable therefor.   
  
SEC. 7. Incentives. – Movie theaters that fully comply with this Act and provide 
additional accessibility features may be eligible for tax incentives or other forms of support as 
determined by the DTI in coordination with the Department of Finance (DOF). 
 
         SEC. 8. Public Awareness Campaign. – The DTI, in coordination with the NCDA and the 
MTRCB, shall conduct a nationwide information campaign to raise awareness about the 
requirements and benefits of this Act. 
 
         SEC. 9. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is declared 


unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions which are not affected thereby shall 
continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
         SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations, or portions 
thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
 
SEC. 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
         Approved,