Who must install ramps, sidewalks, and other accessibility features?

The owner or operator of any public or private building, institution, or utility that seeks a construction, repair, or renovation permit must install those features.

Are existing buildings required to be retrofitted for accessibility?

Existing structures may be renovated or altered, if feasible, to provide access for disabled persons.

What parking accommodations are required for disabled persons?

Owners must reserve sufficient and suitable parking spaces for disabled users in any parking area of the covered establishments.

What penalties can be imposed for violating the Accessibility Law?

Violators may be sentenced to one month up to one year in prison, fined between ₱2,000 and ₱5,000, or both; corporate leaders responsible for construction are also criminally liable.

Who is responsible if a corporation violates the law?

The president, manager, administrator, or the person in charge of construction, repair, or renovation of the building is criminally responsible.

How are the rules for implementing the law created?

The Ministers of Public Works and Highways and of Transportation and Communications, together with the National Commission on Disabled Persons, prepare the necessary rules and regulations.

When did Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 become effective?

The Act took effect upon its approval on February 25, 1983.

BP 344 - Accessibility Law (1983)

Philippine lawLegal status not independently verified

In brief

AI summary. Verify against the source below.

Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 requires owners of public and private buildings, institutions, and utilities to include accessibility features such as ramps and reserved parking for persons with disabilities, and makes discrimination in public transport unlawful. Violations are penalized with imprisonment, fines, or both, and the law took effect upon its approval in 1983.

Who it affects: The law applies to owners or operators of public and private buildings, educational institutions, airports, sports centers, shopping establishments, public utilities, and public conveyance providers.

Key provisions

License condition for accessibility. No construction, repair, or renovation permit will be issued unless the owner includes architectural features like sidewalks, ramps, or railings that help disabled persons move around. [Section 1]
Renovation of existing structures. Existing buildings, institutions, or utilities may be altered, if feasible, to provide access for disabled persons. [Section 1]
Reserved parking for disabled persons. Owners must set aside enough suitable parking spaces for disabled users in any parking area of the covered establishments. [Section 1]
Public transport accessibility. Public conveyance must not discriminate against disabled passengers; special bus stops must be designed for them. [Section 2]
Rule‑making authority. The Ministers of Public Works and Highways and of Transportation and Communications, together with the National Commission on Disabled Persons, must create rules to enforce the law. [Section 3]
Penalties for violation. Violators face one month to one year imprisonment, a fine of ₱2,000 to ₱5,000, or both; corporate officers in charge of construction are also criminally liable. [Section 4]
Repeal of conflicting laws. Any law, order, or rule that conflicts with this Act is repealed or amended. [Section 5]
Effective date. The Act became effective as soon as it was approved on February 25, 1983. [Section 6]

Common questions

Who must install ramps, sidewalks, and other accessibility features?: The owner or operator of any public or private building, institution, or utility that seeks a construction, repair, or renovation permit must install those features. [Section 1]
Are existing buildings required to be retrofitted for accessibility?: Existing structures may be renovated or altered, if feasible, to provide access for disabled persons. [Section 1]
What parking accommodations are required for disabled persons?: Owners must reserve sufficient and suitable parking spaces for disabled users in any parking area of the covered establishments. [Section 1]
Is it illegal to refuse service to a disabled passenger on public transport?: Yes, discriminating against disabled persons in the carriage or transportation of passengers is declared unlawful. [Section 2]
What penalties can be imposed for violating the Accessibility Law?: Violators may be sentenced to one month up to one year in prison, fined between ₱2,000 and ₱5,000, or both; corporate leaders responsible for construction are also criminally liable. [Section 4]
Who is responsible if a corporation violates the law?: The president, manager, administrator, or the person in charge of construction, repair, or renovation of the building is criminally responsible. [Section 4]
How are the rules for implementing the law created?: The Ministers of Public Works and Highways and of Transportation and Communications, together with the National Commission on Disabled Persons, prepare the necessary rules and regulations. [Section 3]
When did Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 become effective?: The Act took effect upon its approval on February 25, 1983. [Section 6]

BATAS PAMBANSA Blg. 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

Section 1. In order to promote the realization of the rights of disabled persons to participate fully in the social life and the development of the societies in which they live and the enjoyment of the opportunities available to other 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 or establishments, public parking places, workplaces, public utilities, shall be granted or issued unless the owner or operator thereof shall 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, ramps, railings and the like. If feasible, all such existing buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities may be renovated or altered to enable the disabled persons to have access to them: Provided, however, That buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities to be constructed or established or which licenses or permits had already been issued may comply with the requirements of this law: Provided, further, That in case of government buildings, streets and highways, the Ministry of Public Works and Highways shall see to it that the same shall be provided with architectural facilities or structural features for disabled persons.

In the case of the parking place of any of the above institutions, buildings, or establishments, or public utilities, the owner or operator shall reserve sufficient and suitable space for the use of disabled persons.

Section 2. In case of public conveyance, devices such as the prominent awareness of the rights of the disabled and foster understanding of their special needs. Special bus stops shall be designed for disabled persons. Discriminating against disabled persons in the carriage or transportation of passengers is hereby declared unlawful.

Section 3. 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 to implement the provisions of this Act.

Section 4. 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 than one month but not more than one year or a fine of P2,000 to P5,000 or both, at the discretion of the court: Provided, That in the case of 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 shall be criminally responsible for any violation of this Act and/or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

Section 5. All laws, executive and administrative orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with the foregoing provisions are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Section 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: February 25, 1983