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Republic of the Philippines ed eep Z\
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES go RECEIVED

Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

733

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

While ATMs in the country currenily have Braille dots on the keypad, they do not provide
any non-visual method for reading or relaying the messages that appear on the screen, making it

difficult for visually impaired people to use them. Tn order to promote assistive technology for

the blind/visually impaired, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought, This measure

was previously filed by Senator Villar in the 15® Congress.

HARLIN CAST. ABAYON
Representative
First District of Northern Samar


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

799

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

AN ACT
MAKING AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES ACCESSIBLE TO THE
VISUALLYIMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS

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

SECTION 1. Title. -This Act shall be known as the "ATM Visually-Impaired Friendly Act”

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms.- The following terms shall have the following meanings/
interpretations:

(a) BANKING INSTITUTION - shall mean a network of commercial, savings, and
specialized banks that provide financial services, including accepting deposits and
providing loans and credit, money transmission and investment facilities.

(b) VISUAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - shall mean the graphic display of
information by an automated teller machine.

(c) AUDIO TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - shall mean a system that recites with sonic
clarity through a personal listening device substantially the same information that is
conveyed by a visual transmission system

(d) PERSONAL LISTENING DEVICE - shall mean earphones or other similar
receiver designed to transmit audio information to an individual, which receiver is
placed in the individual's ear or held up to the ear such that only that individual

can hear such audio information.

SECTION 3. Automated Teller Machine Requirements. - Every banking institution shall
maintain the following requirements with respect to each of the automated teller machines within
its dominion and control to provide equal access for all individuals

(a) Any automated teller machine installed on or after the effectivity date of this Act
shall transmit any message through both (i) a visual transmission system, and (ii)


an audio transmission system.
(b) Any automated teller machine installed prior to the effective date of this Act shall,
whenever an upgrade or replacement of such automated teller machine becomes
necessary, be upgraded or replaced in such a manner so that such automated teller
machine shall transmit any message through both (i) a visual transmission

system, and (ji) an audio transmission system.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part thereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain
valid and subsisting.

SECTION 5. 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 6, Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,