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handicapped are protected, and all programs and services are universal and accessble 
segments of society. 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHLIF’PINES 
1 
G -3 P3 :26 
First Regular Session 
) 
to all 
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s E N  A T f 6 3  ‘ 3  
S.B. NO. 
RECEIVED CY: 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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Although modern technology has created devices to cater to the special needs of 
handicapped persons, they still need assistance with t he communication facilities for hearing- 
impaired and speech-impaired. 
This bill seeks to make the national telecommunication system accessible to the hearing- 
impaired and speech-impaired. 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
"F@I 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING ACCESS OF TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE TO THE 
HEAlUNG-IMPAIRED AND SPEECH-IMPAIRED 
7- 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines in Congress 
Assembled 
Section 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the "Telecommunication Accessibility 
Enhancement Act". 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the poIicy of the state to provide h dicapped 
persons protection and assistance to hasten their integration into the mainstream of soci ty. i 
Section 3. Definition of Terns. - 
(1) "DD" or Telecommunication Devices for Deaf is a machine which employs 
graphic communications in the transmission of coded signals through the nationwide 
telecommunication system. 
(2) "Secretary" should be the Secretaty of Transportation and Communication. 
Section 4. National Telecommunications System Requirements. - 
(1) ACCESSIBILITY 
OF 
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 
SYSTEM. 
The 
Department of Transportation and Communications and the effective government agencies shall 
issue the necessary rules and regulation to assure that the National telecommunication system is 
fully accessible to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals. 
4 2 )  SPECIF-IC .REQUIREMENTS. In carrying out subsection (l), the Secretary 
shall- 


(a) provide for establishment of a relay for users of TDD’s; 
(b) within ninety (90) days after the date o f  enactment of this Act, expand 
such relay system by employing at least one additional operator. 
(c) Within one hundred eighty (180) days after such date o f  enactment - 
i. conduct, as part of the rule-making proceeding required by 
subsection (a), an analysis of modifications to the National telecommunication system that the 
secretary, in his discretions, determines to be necessary to achieve the objectives of subsection 
(a); and 
ii. submit report on the result of such analysis to each House of 
the Congress; 
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(d)-within one hundred eighty (180) days after completion of such analysis 
prescribe the regulations required by subsection (1); 
(e) assemble, publish and maintain a directory of TDD and other devices 
used by National agencies to comply with such regulation, and publish in National agency 
directories, access numbers of TDD’S and such other devices; and 
(f) adopt the design of a standard logo to signify the 
other device used by a Federal agency to comply with such regulations. 
SECTION 5. Additional Requirements. - 
(1) 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. 
(2) PLANNING TO ASSIMILATE TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT. The 
Secretary, in planning future alterations to and modifications of the National telecommuuications 
system, shall take into account result of the analysis required by Section 3(2)(c) and 
technological improvements in telecommunications devices and systems that provide 
accessibility to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals. 


b 
SETION 6. Inquiiy Regarding Inter-region TDD Relay System. '- The Dep 
ent of 
Transportation and communication within nine (9) months after the date of enactment of this act, 
complete inquiryregarding an interstate relay system for users of TDD's. 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If a provision or part hereof, is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law of provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid 
and subsisting. 
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or i ssuance, executive 
order, letter of i nstniction, administrative order, rule or regulation c ontrary t 0, o r inconsistent 
with, the provision of this Act is herby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. - This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
publication in-at least twG72) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved. 
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