Pwd and Seniors Citizen Tourism and Accessibility Act

Senate Wifice of the Sorcetary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) ) 26 FEB 10 P4:06 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: Senate Bill No. 1830 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT MANDATING ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVITY IN ALL TOURISM SITES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY AND SENIOR CITIZENS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Tourism is a vital pillar of the Philippine economy, providing employment opportunities, generating revenue, and promoting the country's cultural and natural heritage. As the government continues to advance tourism development, it is imperative that such progress is inclusive and accessible to all, particularly to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, who remain among the most underserved sectors in tourism participation. Despite existing laws such as Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, and Republic Act No. 9593, the Tourism Act of 2009, many tourism sites across the country still lack basic accessibility features. Barriers such as the absence of ramps, accessible toilets, clear signage, trained personnel, and safe pathways continue to limit the ability of PWDs and senior citizens to fully enjoy tourism destinations and services. This measure seeks to address these gaps by mandating accessibility and inclusivity standards in all tourism sites, whether

publicly or privately owned. It ensures that new tourism developments integrate universal design principles, while existing tourism establishments are required to gradually retrofit their facilities within a reasonable period. The bill also defines the roles of key government agencies, particularly the Department of Tourism, local government units, and other concerned agencies, in enforcing compliance and promoting accessible tourism. By institutionalizing accessibility and inclusivity in tourism, this proposed legislation upholds the constitutional mandate of social justice, promotes equal opportunities, and enhances the quality of life of PWDs and senior citizens. Moreover, accessible tourism benefits not only these sectors but also families, children, and the general public, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and competitive tourism industry. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. ERWIN T. TULFO

Senato Offite of the secrctary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 FEB 10 P 4:06 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 1830 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT MANDATING ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVITY IN ALL TOURISM SITES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY AND SENIOR CITIZENS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 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 the "PWD

2 and Senior Citizen Tourism Accessibility Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy

5 of the State to promote social justice, equality, and full participation of 6 all persons in national development. The State recognizes the vital role 7 of tourism in economic growth and commits to ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens are provided with safe, dignified, barrier-free, and inclusive access to tourism sites, facilities, and services. Consistent with the Constitution, Republic Act No. 7277, as amended (Magna Carta for Persons with Disability), Republic Act No. 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act), and Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), the State shall integrate accessibility and 16 inclusivity as fundamental standards in tourism development.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act:

a) Persons with Disability (PWDs) include those who have long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society in equal basis with others. b) Senior Citizens refer to Filipino citizens who are sixty (60) years old and above, as defined under Republic Act No. 9994. c) Tourism Sites refer to natural, cultural, historical, recreational, and man-made attractions, including but not limited to parks, beaches, resorts, museums, heritage sites, hotels, restaurants, transport terminals, and other facilities accredited or recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT). d) Accessibility Features refer to structural and non-structural measures such as ramps, elevators, handrails, accessible toilets, tactile flooring, braille and large-print signage, audio guides, and assistive technologies.

SEC. 4. Mandatory Accessibility and Inclusivity Standards. - All

tourism sites, whether publicly or privately owned, shall include: a) Ramps, handrails, elevators, and barrier-free pathways; b) Accessible toilets and sanitation facilities; c) Reserved seating and rest areas for PWDs and senior citizens; d) Clear signage using large print, Braille, and universally recognized symbols; e) Availability of assistive services such as wheelchairs, audio guides, or trained personnel; f) Priority access lanes and safety features.

SEC. 5. Compliance of Existing and New Tourism Sites. -

a) New tourism sites shall be required to fully comply with accessibility standards prior to issuance of permits, licenses, or accreditation.

b) Existing tourism sites shall be given a reasonable period, not exceeding one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, to retrofit and comply with the required standards.

SEC. 6. Roles of the Government Agencies. - The Department of

Tourism (DOT) shall formulate accessibility guidelines for tourism 7 sites, integrate accessibility standards into tourism accreditation systems, and promote accessible tourism programs. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall 11 develop technical standards and design guidelines for accessible 12 tourism infrastructure. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs), shall ensure compliance of tourism sites within their respective jurisdictions, allocate local funds for accessibility improvements, and enforce penalties for non-compliance in accordance with existing laws and regulations. The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) shall provide technical assistance and monitoring support to ensure effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. Prohibited Acts. - It shall be unlawful for any tourist site

operator, owner, administrator, manager, or any person in charge to: a) Refuse, deny, restrict, or impose discriminatory conditions on the access, entry, or use of any tourism site, facility, service, or amenity by persons with disability (PWDs) or senior citizens on the basis of disability or age; b) Remove, disable, obstruct, or fail to maintain required accessibility features and facilities, thereby rendering them unusable; c) Falsely represent, misdeclare, or fraudulently claim compliance with accessibility and inclusivity standards prescribed by law or regulations.

SEC. 8. Penalties. - Any person, juridical entity, or tourism

establishment found to have violated any provision of this Act shall, 3 after due notice and hearing, be subject to the following: a) First Offense - A fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00). b) Second Offense - A fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00) and suspension of the establishment's permit, license, or accreditation for a period to be determined by the proper regulatory authority. c) Third and Subsequent Offenses - A fine of not less than Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) and revocation of the permit, license, or accreditation. The imposition of the foregoing penalties shall be without prejudice to any administrative, civil, or criminal liability under existing laws.

SEC. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial

implementation of this Act shall be charged to the appropriations of the Department of Tourism. Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulation. - Within six (6)

months from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), National Commission of Senior Citizens, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and other relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - Should any provision or part of

2 this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions and parts thereof, insofar as they are separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees,

executive orders, memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

12 after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,