Question & AnswerQ&A (BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344)
The main purpose of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 is to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishments, and public utilities to install facilities and devices that reasonably enhance their mobility.
The law covers public and private buildings for public use, educational institutions, airports, sports and recreation centers and complexes, shopping centers or establishments, public parking places, workplaces, and public utilities.
Owners or operators must install and incorporate architectural facilities or structural features such as sidewalks, ramps, and railings that reasonably enhance the mobility of disabled persons before a license or permit is granted or issued.
If feasible, existing buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities may be renovated or altered to enable access for disabled persons.
Owners or operators must reserve sufficient and suitable parking space for disabled persons in any parking place associated with the covered institutions, buildings, establishments, or public utilities.
Public conveyances must use devices such as posters or stickers to raise public awareness of the rights and special needs of disabled persons, and special bus stops shall be designed for them. Discrimination against disabled persons in transportation is unlawful.
The Minister of Public Works and Highways and the Minister of Transportation and Communications, in coordination with the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons, shall prepare the necessary rules and regulations.
Violators may be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than one year, fined from P 2,000 to P 5,000, or both, at the discretion of the court.
The president, manager, administrator, or person in charge of construction, repair, or renovation of the building, space, or utilities in the corporation, partnership, cooperative, or association shall be criminally responsible.
This Act took effect upon its approval on February 25, 1983.