Accessible Pedestrian Signals Act of 2025

Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) Office of the Sceretate REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 NOV 11 P3:40 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1497 Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID AN ACT REQUIRING TRAFFIC SIGNAL POLES TO BE EQUIPPED WITH ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS EXPLANATORY NOTE The Constitution of the Philippines guarantees the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, affirms the State's policy to give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of PWDs and their integration into the mainstream of society. Likewise, the Philippines is a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which obligates governments to ensure accessibility to the physical environment, transportation, and public facilities and services for all persons with disabilities. One of the most pressing concerns for the visually impaired and other mobility- challenged individuals is the difficulty and danger posed by crossing streets and intersections. Conventional pedestrian traffic signals rely on visual cues-such as illuminated "WALK" or "DONT WALK" signs-that exclude persons who are blind or visually impaired. This exclusion not only jeopardizes their safety but also hinders their independence, mobility, and full participation in social and economic activities. The proposed Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) Act of 2025 addresses this gap by mandating the installation of APS devices in traffic signal poles across the

country. APS devices communicate crossing information through non-visual formats such as audible tones, tactile, and vibrotactile methods. These systems, already in place in many progressive cities worldwide, provide distinct signals for different directions and intervals, enabling safe and independent street crossing for the visually impaired. This measure ensures that: 1. All new traffic signal poles shall be equipped with APS upon installation; 2. Existing traffic signals shall be retrofitted with APS on a priority basis, particularly in areas with higher populations of PWDs; 3. APS devices and parts not available locally may be imported duty-free by authorized government agencies; and 4. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with relevant agencies, shall issue the implementing rules and regulations for the effective rollout of the program. The enactment of this measure is not merely an infrastructure improvement— it is an affirmation of the right of persons with disabilities to live safely, independently, and with dignity. By adopting APS in the country's pedestrian facilities, the State takes a decisive step towards building inclusive communities where no Filipino is left behind. In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is sought. MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID Senator

Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE Office of the Secretary REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 NOV 11 P3:40 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1497 S. No.. Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT REQUIRING TRAFFIC SIGNAL POLES TO BE EQUIPPED WITH ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "Accessible Pedestrian

5 Signals Act of 2025."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Persons with disabilities are part of Philippine

society, thus, the State shall give full support to the improvement of their total well- 8 being and integration into the mainstream of society. Towards this end, the State shall 9 adopt policies ensuring the self-reliance of this vulnerable segment of our population.

Sec. 3. Accessible Pedestrian Signal. - Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) is

defined as a device affixed to traffic signal poles that communicates information about 12 the "WALK" and "DONT WALK" intervals at signalized intersections in non-visual formats, such as audible, tactile, vibrotactile and other visible methods in order to provide crossing information to all pedestrians, including people who are blind or visually impaired. When an APS uses audible tones, it shall have a specific tone for the walk interval and clearance phases utilizing internationally recognized standards.

Two distinct sounds shall be used for the WALK phase: one distinct sound for 2 the North/South crossing and another distinct sound for the East/West crossing. In addition, there shall be a distinct sound for the North/South clearance phase and another distinct sound for the East/West clearance phase. The tones shall be at least two (2) decibels and no more than five (5) decibels greater than the ambient noise 6 level, must be sensitive to level changes, and must be audible to the mid-point of the 7 crossings.

Sec. 4. Installation of APS. - Subsequent to the effectivity of this Act, all new

9 traffic signal poles that have yet to be installed shall be equipped with an APS. For 10 existing traffic signal poles, an APS shall be installed in an order of priority following a 11 criteria set by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which shall 12 give preference to locations most populated by Persons with Disabilities.

Sec. 4. Progressive Implementation. - This program shall be implemented on

a progressive basis. The DPWH shall identify which areas initially shall be equipped with APS. The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) shall make recommendations on which areas to prioritize based on the population concentration of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Sec. 5. Duty-free Importation. - The DPWH shall certify APS devices and parts

that are unavailable in domestic markets and shall transmit such certification to the 20 Department of Finance. The APS devices and parts so certified may be imported by any government agency or instrumentality exempt from taxes and duties on importation.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules. - Within ninety (90) days from the approval of this

Act, the DPWH, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Finance, and the National Council on Disability Affairs shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,

presidential proclamations, letters of instruction, rules and regulations or parts thereof

1 which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 2 accordingly.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

4 unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof not affected thereby shall 5 continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

7 publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,