Suan: Hold violators of accessibility law accountable

Stricter regulations having real teeth should be enforced to hold establishments accountable if they fail to comply with Batas Pambansa 344, or the Accessibility Law, opined minority floor leader Councilor Aga Suan during the recent meeting of the committee on social services.

His made this remark in relation to the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez, seeking to create a Local Access Audit Team (LAAT), which will be tasked to assess whether public and private establishments are accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Arch. Franzen Mae Z. Valdez, representative of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – 1st District Engineering Office, said the agency regularly conducts monitoring to ensure establishments comply with the provisions of BP 344.

However, Valdez noted that the current system has limitations. While notices are issued to establishments that violate accessibility standards, no penalties are imposed, making it difficult to hold violators accountable.

She suggested that accessibility compliance be integrated into the processing of occupancy and building permit process, noting that some establishments are able to secure permits despite failing to meet accessibility requirements.

The Office of Councilor Rodriguez will consolidate all technical notes of concerned agencies to further refine his proposed measure. (FDC/SP)