Batas Pambansa Bilang 344- An act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices

Bangko Sentral a

SUPERVISION AND EXAMINATION SECTOR OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR

CiRCULAR LETTER NO. CL-2008- 066

: All Banks and Non-Bank Financial institutions under BSP Supervision

Subject : Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 -- An act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices

institutions under BSP supervision are hereby again reminded of the provisions of X606.10 of the Manual of Regulations for Banks (MORB); and, Subsections 4651Q.9 certain financial institutions under BSP supervision have not yet complied with Batas Pambansa Bilang (B.P. Big.) 344. in view thereof, all banks and non-bank financial the said law, particularly on Section 1 thereof. it is, likewise, covered by Subsection Bank Financial Institutions (MORNBFI), which provide as follows: and 4657S.9, and Sections 4657P and 4157N of the Manual of Regulations for Non- It has come to the knowledge of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that

ramps, railings and the like. if feasible, all such existing buildings, altered to enable the disabled persons to have access to them: x x x' or establishments, public parking places, workplaces, public utilities, install and incorporate in such building, establishment, institution or public utility, such architectural facilities or structural features as shall reasonably enhance the mobility of disabled persons such as sidewalks, institutions, establishments, or public utilities may be renovated or "In order to promote the realization of the rights of disabled persons to which they live and the enjoyment of the opportunities availabie to other shall be granted or issued unless the owner or operator thereof shall participate fully in the social life and the development of the societies in citizens, no license or permit for the construction, repair or renovation of public and private buildings for public use, educational institutions, airports, sports and recreation centers and complexes, shopping centers

Further, Section 4 of B.P. BIg. 344 provides that:

"A. Mabini St.Malate 1004, Manila, Phitfippines " Trunkline (632) 524-70-11 URL:www.bsp.gov.ph " e-mail: [email protected]." construction, repair or renovation of the building, space or utilities shall than one month but not more than one year or a fine of P2,000 to P5,000 manager or administrator, or the person who has charge of the "Any person violating any provision of this Act or of the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall, upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less or both, at the discretion of the court: Provided, That in the case of corporations, partnerships, cooperatives or associations, the president, PAnAnalAPIng MAtatag BAnSAng PAnatAg

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be criminally responsible for any violation of this Act and/or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto."

37 of Republic Act No. 7653, The New Central Bank Act, for any willful failure or refusal to comply with, or violation of, any banking law or any order, instruction or regulation issued by the Monetary Board, or any order, instruction or ruling by the Governor The above penalty is without prejudice to the sanctions imposed by Section

and regulations (IRR) can be accessed at the website of the National Council on Disability Affairs at www.ncda.gov.ph. A copy of the complete text of B. P. BIg. 344, including its implementing rules

For your guidance and strict implementation

0& /nestOr A Deputy'Governor ESPENILIG JR

08 Q_2008