Law on Disabled Persons' Accessibility

Section 1 provides a transitional rule: buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities for which licenses or permits had already been issued must comply with the law’s requirements.
Section 1 assigns a special duty for government buildings, streets and highways: the Ministry of Public Works and Highways must ensure that architectural facilities or structural features for disabled persons are provided.
Section 1 ties compliance to the issuance of permits: new covered projects cannot receive permits unless accessibility features are incorporated.
Section 1 recognizes “existing” covered facilities and links accessibility improvement to feasibility through renovation or alteration.

Section 2 requires that for public conveyance, devices such as prominent display of posters or stickers must be used to generate public awareness of the rights of disabled persons and foster understanding of their special needs.
Section 2 requires special bus stops designed for disabled persons.
Section 2 declares it unlawful to discriminate against disabled persons in the carriage or transportation of passengers.
Section 2 focuses on both infrastructure (special bus stops) and information/awareness measures (posters or stickers).

Section 3 requires the Minister of Public Works and Highways and the Minister of Transportation and Communications to prepare the necessary rules and regulations to implement the Act.
Section 3 requires the implementing rule-making to be done in coordination with the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons.
The implementing rules and regulations govern compliance with the Act’s requirements for accessibility and conveyance provisions.

Section 4 provides criminal liability for violations of any provision of the Act or of the rules and regulations promulgated under it.
Section 4 imposes, upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, a penalty of imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than one year, or a fine of P 2,000 to P 5,000, or both.
Section 4 makes the selection of imprisonment or fine at the discretion of the court.
Section 4 provides a special corporate rule: for corporations, partnerships, cooperatives or associations, the president, manager or administrator, or the person who has charge of the construction, repair or renovation of the building, space or utilities is criminally responsible for violations of the Act and/or the rules and regulations.

Section 5 repeals or amends accordingly all laws, executive and administrative orders, rules and regulations that are inconsistent with the Act.
Section 6 provides that the Act takes effect upon its approval.
The Act was Approved, February 25, 1983.