Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._1476

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR AUTISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

According to the World Health Organization, about | in every 100 children globally is
on the autism spectrum. In the Philippines, the Autism Society Philippines estimates that
approximately 1 million Filipinos live with autism, yet less than 10% are formally diagnosed
or receiving proper intervention. For most of them, especially those from low-income

families, access to support remains out of reach.

Autism is a lifelong condition. It affects communication, learning, and social
behavior. It is not an illness to be cured, but a condition to be understood and supported.
Unfortunately, the national response has been fragmented, limited to small-scale programs
and pilot initiatives. There is no centralized public institution that provides comprehensive

services for individuals with autism and their families.

This bill proposes the creation of a national Center for Autism. A government
supported institution dedicated to diagnosis, therapy, professional training, research, and
advocacy. It will provide lifelong care, train public school teachers and healthcare workers,

and serve as a hub for inclusive programs and scientific advancement.


Establishing this center affirms that Filipinos with autism deserve more than

sympathy; they deserve structure, support, and equal opportunity.
In a country where stigma still silences, this measure speaks up. In a system where
families often feel lost, this bill offers direction. Autism does not discriminate. Our support

systems shouldn't either.

In view of the abovementioned considerations, immediate passage of this proposed

measure is earnestly sought.

CRISPIN DIEG

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._1476

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR AUTISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION I. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby recognized that autism remains to
be unknown in the Philippines because of the lack of government support. Until now, autistic

individuals belong to the marginalized sectors of Philippine society, preventing their total
rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance.

SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the terms below shall be
construed to mean, except where explicitly indicated or where the text clearly indicates
otherwise as follows:

a) Autism - is a developmental disability that appears during the first three years of
life; the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain; autism and
its associated behaviors occur in approximately 15 of every 10,000 individuals;

b) Disability - shall mean 1) a physical or mental impairment to substantially limits
one or more psychological, physiological or anatomical function of an individual or activities
of such individual; 2) a record of such an impairment; or 3) being regarded as having such an
impairment;

©) Disabled Gifted - persons who demonstrate superior performance capabilities in

intellectual, creative, specific academic areas, leadership, or in the arts in spite of physical,

sensory or psychological disabilities;


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4) Disabled Worker - means a worker whose eariing capacity is impaired by mental,
physical, or sensory deficiency or injury;

©) Handicap - refers to a disadvantage for given individual, resulting from an
impairment or disability that limits or prevents the function of activity, that is considered
normal given the age and sex of the individual;

£) Impairment - is any loss, diminution or aberration of psychological, physiological,
or anatomical structure or function;

g) Indigent patient - a disabled person whose level of income falls below the poverty
threshold;

h) Rehabilitation - an integrated approach to physical, psychological, cultural,
spiritual, educational, or vocational, measures that create conditions for individual to attain
the highest possible level of functional ability; and,

i) Special Education (SPED) - that type of education specifically designed for learners

with special needs who can not profit maximally from regular education such that they
require trained personnel, modifications in the curricula, teaching methods, instructional
materials and adaptations in facilities equipment.

SEC. 3. Creation of a Center for Autism. - There is hereby created a Center for
‘Autism which shall be tasked to perform the following functions:

1) Formulate and implement an integrated and comprehensive masterplan;

2) Create a diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation clinic;

3) Provide vocational training programs for autistic adults;

4)

ligent autistic;

Provide free diagnosis and rehabilitation services to i
5) Provide avenues for employment opportunities for autistic individuals;

6) Provide continuing training programs for teachers, therapists, medical;

7) Provide other services such as counseling, orientation and referral;
8) Increase public awareness and concern on autism by spearheading advocacy
programs.
SEC. 4. Governing Board, Composition, Term, Functions. - There is hereby created
a National Autism Board referred as to the Board, which shall be under the Office of the
President. The Board shall govern the Center for Autism and shall be composed of the
following:
1) One (1) representative from the Department of Health, who shall sit as
Chairperson;


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2) One (1) representative from the Department of Education who shall sit as the

Vice-Chairperson;

3) One (1) representative from the Department of Social Welfare and Development
as Member;

4) Two (2) representatives from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled
Persons as Members;

5) Two (2) representatives from the Autism Society of the Philippines as Members;

6) Two (2) representatives from the Parents of Children and Adults with Autism as

Members.

SEC. 5. Secretariat. - The Board shall have a Secretariat under an Executive Officer
who shall be appointed by the President. The Executive Officer shall manage the day-to-day
operations of the Board and shall be assisted by a Deputy Executive Officer who shall
likewise be appointed by the President. The Executive Officer shall have the following

powers and functions:

1) Execute, administer and implement the policies and measures approved by the
Board;

2) Direct and supervise the affairs and operations of the Board;
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Submit within thirty (30) days after the close of every calendar year an annual
report to the Board and such other reports it may require:

4) Submit an annual budget and such supplementary budgets as may be necessary to

the Board for its consideration and approval;

5) Represent the Board in all transactions with other offices, agencies,

instrumentalities of government and with all persons and other entities, public or

private, domestic or foreign; and,

6) Appoint, subject to confirmation of the Board, and discipline in accordance with

Civil Service laws, rules and regulations, the officers and personnel below the

level of Deputy Executive Officer.

‘The Deputy Executive Officer shall perform the following functions:

1) Assist the Executive Officer in the discharge of his powers and functions;

2) Actas the Executive Officer during the Executive Officer's absence; and ,
3) Discharge such other powers and functions as may be required by the Executive

Officer and the Board.
SEC. 6. Early Detection and Intervention Program. — The Center shall develop and

implement nationwide early detection and intervention programs for children under five (5)

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years old. These shall include screening in barangay health centers, parent education, and
early therapy to improve developmental outcomes.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. - For the initial operating expenses of the Center, the amount

of Five Mi
Office of the President. Thereafter, it shall submit to the Department of Budget and

ion Pesos (5,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated from the available funds of the

Management, its proposed budget for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Transitory Provisions. - Within the period of one hundred and eighty (180)
days after the approval of this Act, the Board constituted shall start its operation. All other
government offices having functions similar to the Board shall then cease to perform such
functions. Henceforth, these functions shall be deemed transferred to the Board.

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board in consultation with
appropriate agencies from the private and government sectors, shall issue guidelines and
prescribe rules and regulations within one hundred (120) days after the effectivity of this Act,
which shall be published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. A copy of such
guidelines, rules and regulations shall be furnished the Congress of the Philippines.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations and
other issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby
repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act be declared invalid
or unconstitutional, no other provisions hereof shall be affected thereby.

SEC. 12, Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,