SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
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t i
‘fH fifr of til"
*17 HAY-3 P3 -00
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 1433
R tC E ii/tD  BV:
Introduced by SENATOR LIHLA M. DE LIMA
AN A C r
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL COMPILEIIENSIVE PROGRAM FOR THE 
PREVEN'ITON, EARLY DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS, A M ) TRJiATMENT OF 
PERSONS W ITH AlflTSM  SPECTRUM DISORDi:RS AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSIvS
lixplanatory N ote
The Constitution mandates the State to protect and promote the right to health 
of the people1 and endeavor to make health ser\dces available to all people at affordable 
cost, with priority for the needs of children and the disabled.2
Autism is a highly variable neurodevelopmental disorder that first appears 
during infancy or childhood, and generally follows a steady course without remission. 
Overt symptoms gradually begin after the age of six months, become established by 
age two or three years, and tend to continue through adulthood. It is distinguished not 
by a single symptom, but by a characteristic triad of symptoms: difficulties in social 
interaction; impairments in communication; and restricted interests and repetitive 
behavior.
Experts estimate that 3 to 6 children out of eveiy i,ooo wiW have autism. In the 
Philippines, it is estimated that i out of eveiy 500 Filipinos suffer from autism or 
approximately 200,000 Filipinos out of a too million total population. Recent studies 
further strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. In 
families with one autistic child, the risk of having a second child with the disorder is 
approximately 5 percent, or one in 20.
Autism is a developmental disability that has yet to be fully known and 
understood in the Philippines. And because of the lack of educational and financial 
support, it is only the upper and middle class families who can afford to send their
1 A rticle II, section 15,1987 C onstitution.
2 A rticle XIII, section 11,1987 C onstitution.


autistic children to special schools. Undeniably, addressing the needs of these 
individuals in our coiintiy would require a comprehensive legislative framework and 
integrated operational plan for autism. Currently, there is no national data tracking 
system that caters to the state of autism in the countiy. A registry for autism is needed 
to improve current knowledge and understanding of autism, to conduct thorough and 
complete epidemiologic surx eys of the issue, and to plan for and provide services to 
child ren with autism as well as to their families.
Furthermore, there is a shortage of trained and highly skilled teachers and 
health prov iders to handle and cater to the special needs of children and adults with 
autism. These considerations reflect the urgent need to conduct a comprehensive 
training program for health prov iders all over the countiy in order to help these 
persons suffering from the disorder cope with their condition and participate as 
productive members of society.
This bill seeks the creation of a national roadmap for addressing autism through 
the establishment of the Autism Council of the Philippines and aims to increase public 
awareness about this psychological disorder as a national health issue. To alleviate the 
plight of thousands of families struggling with the costs for its detection and treatment, 
this bill provides for mandatory' PhilHealth coverage for persons with autism, in 
addition to the benefits provided for persons with disabilities under existing laws.
In view of the foregoing, early approval of this measure is requested.
leiijv m. di: lima


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
of tiir f/rrrrU rp
*17 
HAY- 3  
P 3 f l 0
s i-:n a t f:
SENATE BILL NO. 1 4 3 3
RECEIVED by;
Introduced by SENATOR L1HI.A M. DE LIMA
AN ACT
INSTITUITNG A NATIONAL COMPILEIIENSIVE PROGRAM FOR THE 
PREW .NTION, EARLY DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TRMA'TMENT OF 
PERSONS W ITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSr.S
Be it enacted by the Senate and the thmse of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
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Section i. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Autism Care Act of 2017".
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. -  It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect 
and promote the right to health of the people, including the rights of persons v\ith 
autism to full, healthy and holistic development. As such, the State shall promote an 
environment conducive to the development of autistic persons to become, to the best 
of their potentials, independent, self-reliant and productive members of society.
Towards this end, the State commits itself to the establishment of institutional 
and social mechanisms to support children and adult persons with autism and their 
families. In this light, the State shall institutionalize a holistic program for persons 
with autism in the countr>- that will be sensitive to their needs for purposes of 
empowering and providing them quality of life.
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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. -  As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:


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(a) “Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder” refers to a range of conditions 
characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, 
speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths 
and differences. It includes autism disorder, Asperger syndrome, Rett's 
syndrome, and penasive developmental disorders not otherwise 
specified.
(b) “Diagnosis” refers to medically necessary assessments, evaluations 
including neuropsychological e\raluations, genetic testing or other tests 
to diagnose whether an individual has one of the autism spectrum 
disorders.
(c) Treatment’ refers to those that are medically necessary, appropriate, 
effective or efficient and shall include evaluation and assessment 
services; behavior training and management and applied behavior 
analysis; habilitative or rehabilitativ’e care, including occupational, 
physical or speech therapy; pharmacy care and medication; psychiatric 
care; psychological care; and therapeutic care.
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Sec. 4 . EpidcniioloyicuI Surveillance Programs. -  The National Institutes of Health 
(NIH) is hereby mandated to conduct an annual epidemiological sui-v'cy to determine 
the extent and total incidence and prevalence of persons with autism in the countiy in 
order for the government to provide the necessaiy and appropriate inten entions to 
address the needs faced by persons with autism.
The NIH is further mandated, in coordination with the Department of Health 
(DOH), to strengthen its research focus on autism; to renew its investment into basic 
and clinical research; to expand its research into the link between environmental 
factors and autism; and to continue investigations into causation, diagnosis, early


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detection, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Such factors that will be 
studied shall include, among others, infection and immune function, hormonal and 
reproductive factors, genetic factors, gastro-intestinal factors, and socio-demographic 
factors.
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Sec. 5. Prevention of Confliet of Interest in the Researeh Process. -  Within six (6) 
months from the date of effectivity of this Act, the DOH shall issue the necessary 
standards, guidelines, and regulations in order to ensure that there is no conflict of 
interest, whatsoever, between the research agenda of the researchers and the drug 
manufacturers or government agencies promoting the use of a particular vaccine or 
medicine for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with autism. The DOH shall 
ensure the timely publication and dissemination of information of these guidelines 
and regulations in order to ensure that the various health providers and stakeholders 
all over the country are adequately informed.
Sec. 6. Autism Council of the Philippines. -  There is hereby created an Autism 
Council of the Philippines (“Council”) under the DOH which shall serve as an inter­
agency and multi-sectoral mechanism tasked to promote the implementation of the 
National Autism Program of the government. The Council shall endeavor;
(a) to promote public awareness, education, and information on issues 
concerning autism;
(b) to establish sustainable networks of support groups for families of 
children and adults with autism;
(c) to provide referral services to patients with autism and identify the 
appropriate educational and medical expertise and facilities suited to 
their needs;


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(d) to combat the spectrum of disorders related to autism through 
screening, education, early inten ention, prompt referrals for treatment 
and services;
(e) to undertake research and/or collaborate with other entities on 
research activities regarding autism in the Philippines;
(0 to coordinate with schools in formulating individualized programs for 
school children and young students with autism;
(g) to receive donations and grants from international donor institutions, 
foundations, and multilateral and bilateral foreign donor agencies 
involved in the prevention, cure and rehabilitation of persons with 
autism;
(h) to promote the advocacy against bias and stereo-typing against persons 
with autism thereby eliminating discrimination and/or misconceptions 
of the notion of being autistic with the end in view of opening the doors 
of productive economic opportunities to persons with autism;
(i) to provide the av'enue for exchange of information, exchange programs 
and sharing of best practices on issues relating to the early detection, 
prevention, cure, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons diagnosed 
with autism;
(j) to network with other organizations, institutions and professionals 
working for the promotion of legislation and public programs for 
persons diagnosed with autism; and
(k) to assist in the creation of appropriate programs for individuals 
diagnosed with autism.


Sec. 7. Composition of the Autism Council of the Philippines. -  The Council shall be 
headed by the Secretary of Health as the Chairperson. It shall be composed of the 
following members:
(a) The Secretary of Social Welfare and Development;
(b) The Secretary of Education;
(c) The Chairperson of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC);
(d) The Chairperson of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA);
(e) The Head of the NIH;
(f) The I lead of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA);
(g) One (1) representative from the duly accredited drug and vaccine 
manufacturers and distributors;
(h) One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of 
caregivers in the Philippines;
(i) One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of nurses in 
the Philippines;
(j) One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of medical 
doctors in the Philippines; and
(k) One (1) representative from the non-governmental organizations 
(NGOs) involved in the advocacy for the prevention, cure and 
rehabilitation of persons with autism.
The five (5) members of the Council coming from the representatives of the drug
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and vaccine manufacturers and distributors; caregivers; nurses; medical doctors and
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non-governmental organizations shall be appointed by the President of the
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Philippines, from a list of three (3) nominees from each sector, who shall serve for a
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term of three (3) years, and renewable for another term: Provided, That the person
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appointed shall be of good moral character, of unquestionable integrity, and with
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expertise and experience of a least six (6) years in the field of autism, mental health 
and other related fields: Provided, further, That in the event of a vacancy, the 
successor appointed to fill the same shall sen e only the unexpired portion of the term 
of the member he/she succeeds to.
The members of the Council from the government agencies and institutions 
may designate their permanent representatives who shall have a rank not lower than 
an assistant secretaiy or its equivalent to attend meetings.
All members of the Council shall receive emoluments as may be determined by 
the Council, in accordance with existing budget and accounting rules and regulations.
Sec. 8 . Meetings. -  The Council shall meet at least once a month upon a three-day 
notice signed by the Chairperson or as often as necessary upon the written request 
signed by two-thirds (2/ 3) of its members. The presence of a majority of the members 
of the Council shall constitute a quorum in order for it to conduct its business.
See. 9. Programs and Services of the Autism Council of the Philippines. -  The 
programs and services that will be provided by the Council shall include, among 
others, the following:
(a) Orientation and counselling ser\ices for families of newly diagnosed 
children with autism;
(b) Establishment of Family Support Networks and Sibling Program for 
families of persons with autism to seek psycho-social support for the 
various problems they face;
(c) Establishment of National and Regional Referral Services wherein the 
Council will update a list of professionals and child care institutions 
concerned with the care and development of persons with autism;


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(d) Publication of reading materials, manuals and easily readable 
instruction 
materials for autism early detection, prevention, 
rehabilitation and care;
(e) The conduct of continuing education, information and training 
programs and lectures on the proper handling of persons with autism;
(f) The establishment of a databank and information and monitoring 
system (IMS) on the demographic, socio-economic and incidence and 
prevalence of persons with autism in the country;
(g) The publication of a new sletter on current developments, resources and 
research on autism; and
(h) The conduct of continuing education/training of families, teachers, 
therapists and caregivers of persons with autism through seminars, 
conventions and other forms of tri-media educational tools.
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See. lo. Early Identification and Intervention for Children with Autism. -  The 
Council is hereby mandated to establish a program for early identification, screening, 
and detection of autism, and to provide the appropriate sen ices to children and 
toddlers with de\elopmental delays associated with autism. The Council is tasked to 
monitor and update the list of children diagnosed with autism in the countiy in its 
central registry so that such persons may be referred to programs of the go\’ernmerit, 
should the same become available.
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Sec. 11. Treatment as Persons with Disabilities. — All persons with autism shall be 
treated as persons with disability as defined under Republic Act No. 7277, as amended. 
As such, they shall be entitled to all the rights, privileges and benefits provided for 
persons with disabilities under existing laws.


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Sec. 12. Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage. -  All persons with autism shall be covered 
by the National Health Insurance Program of the Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation (PHIC). Funds necessaiy to ensure the enrolment of all persons with 
autism who are not currently covered under any existing categoiy- shall be sourced 
from the National Health Insurance Fund of PHIC earmarked from the proceeds of sin 
tax collections as provided for in Republic Act No. 10351. It shall likewise include the 
cost of early detection and screening programs as one of the available benefits of its 
members.
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Sec. 13. Continuing Education and Training of Health Personnel and Service 
Providers on Autism. -  All DOl I, DSWD, CWC, NCDA officers and their staff in charge 
with providing various developmental and welfare serv ices to persons with autism are 
mandated to undergo a mandatory continuing education and training program to 
sensitize and empower service providers to become effective frontliners in the delivery 
of health service to persons with autism.
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Sec. 14. Protection against Forcible Use of Cures and Vaccines. -  The DOH shall
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formulate the necessary guidelines, standards and procedures against the forcible use
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of cures, vaccines, and therapies to persons diagnosed with autism in order to uphold
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the right of every individual to give informed consent to medical treatment
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administered to them as well as to protect their right to determine for themselves the
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medical treatment to which they shall be subjected.
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The DOH shall promulgate guidelines and standards to ensure that the
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interventions and programs being provided by the government for persons diagnosed
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with autism do not violate their basic human rights, particularly as regards their right
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to determine their own decisions.


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Sec. 15. Protection against Discrimination in Schools. -  The Department of 
Education (DepEd), in coordination with the DOH, Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD), CWC, and the NIH, shall formulate the necessary' 
implementing rules and regulations to ensure that all educational institutions shall be 
free from policies and regulations discriminatoiy to school children and young 
students suffering from autism. Towards this end, the DepEd shall conduct an annual 
education, information, and training program for school administrators, faculty, and 
staff to empower them to effectively handle school children and young students 
suffering from autism.
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See. 16. Non-Discrimination of Adults Suffering from Autism. -  Within six (6)
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months from the date of effectivity' of this Act, the Council shall formulate the
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necessary guidelines, standards, and regulations in order to ensure that adults with
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autism are not discriminated against due to their condition. The Council shall ensure
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the timely publication and dissemination of information of these guidelines and
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regulations in order to ensure that the various stakeholders all over the country in the
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early detection, prevention, rehabilitation, and care of persons with autism are
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adequately informed.
Sec. 17. Confidentiality of Medical Information for Persons with Autism. -  To ensure 
that the early detection, screening tests, vaccination, medical treatment, and 
rehabilitation of persons suffering from autism are implemented, the DOH, in 
consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ), shall formulate the pertinent 
implementing rules and regulations to ensure the confidentiality of the medical 
records of persons suffering from autism in order to protect the unwarranted intrusion 
into the privacy of the person, particularly in relation to the medical condition of the 
patient.


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Sec. i8 . Appropriation. -  The amount necessary to cany out the provisions of this 
Act shall be included and incorporated in the annual general appropriations of the 
DOH.
Sec. 19. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -  Within six (6) months from the date 
of effectivity of this Act, the DOl I, in coordination with the DSWD, DepEd, CWC, NIH, 
NCDA, and PIA, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations 
to implement the provisions of this Act.
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Sec. 2 0 . Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
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unconstitutional, the provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force
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and effect.
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See. 21. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,
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presidential proclamations, letters of instruction, rules and regulations or parts
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thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
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accordingly.
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Sec. 22. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in tw’o (2) newspapers of general circulation in
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the Philippines.
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Approved,
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