Granting Postal Privileges For the Blind, and For Other Purposes

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 291 July 25, 1987

GRANTING POSTAL PRIVILEGES FOR THE BLIND, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

WHEREAS, the State is constitutionally mandated to encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems as well as self-learning, independent and out-of-school study programs and to provide the disabled training in civics, vocational efficiency and other skills;

WHEREAS, insofar as the blind are concerned, the aforesaid mandate can be pursued by facilitating the dissemination of certain articles and literature for the blind by exempting them from postal charges.

WHEREAS, insofar as the blind are concerned, the aforesaid mandate can be pursued by facilitating the dissemination of certain articles and literature for the blind from postal charges.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, do hereby order:

Sec. 1. The following shall be exempted from postal charges:

a) Articles and literature for the blind sent by mail within the Philippines or abroad;

b) Aids and appliances for the blind sent abroad by mail for repair;

For purposes of this...

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Summary of Executive Order No. 291

Granting Postal Privileges for the Blind

- Exempts certain articles and literature for the blind from postal charges within the Philippines or abroad. (Section 1)
• Articles and literature for the blind are limited to:
• Books and periodicals in braille, 14 points type or larger, and sound recordings. (Section 1)
• Unsealed letters in the above media. (Section 1)
• Writing or listening devices for "reading" the above media. (Section 1)
• Commercial advertising is excluded. (Section 1)

- Mail must bear the words "Free Matter for the Blind" and the address of the recognized institution sending or receiving it, instead of stamps. (Section 2)

- Personal correspondence among the blind is also exempted from postal charges, provided the sender and/or addressee has been granted individual exemption by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Postal Services. (Section 3)
• The sender and/or addressee must present an official document evidencing such exemption to the post office. (Section 3)

- Local or foreign organizations for the blind must register and seek accreditation from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Postal Services to avail of the exemption. (Section 4)

- The Secretary of Transportation and Communications shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Executive Order. (Section 5)

- Unauthorized use of the privilege or contravention of the provisions is punishable by a fine not exceeding ₱10,000 or imprisonment of not more than 3 years, or both. (Section 6)

- All inconsistent laws, orders, issuances, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 7)

- The Executive Order takes effect immediately. (Section 8)