SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
)
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO.
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c( lilt fi'i'trftarp
•17 
MAR 16 
P3 -01
RECLIVLO 3Y.
1. 
A
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A CENTER FOR AUTISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Autism or autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that 
causes difficulty in social skills, such as communicating and interacting with 
others and manifests repetitive behaviors as well as limited interests or 
activities.
Studies show that the common risk factors of developing autism are 
genetics and environmental influences. People with this disability have 
different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs and 
symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) usually occur in the first 2 
years of life and more common among boys than girls (1:42 boys) (1.T89 girls)1
Currently, there is no cure for autism, but early intei'ventions can be 
made to help the children who are affected by this disorder in coping up with 
fundamental skills that are needed in the cliild's learning process.
In tliis regard, that the proposed measure seeks for the creation of a 
Center for Autism, which shall provide integrated & comprehensive 
rehabilitation services and spearhead advocacy programs that will address to 
the demands and needs of those ASD individuals.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of tljis bill is earnestly 
sought.
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
1 h t t p s : / / w w w . c d c . g o v / n c b d d d / a u t is m / f a c t s . h t m l


SLVHNTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION
)
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 
1403
ft>eiintE
iS 'fitr of tlir i9 'rrrtn r|>
'17 
MAR 16 
P 3  ;01
RECEIVED BY:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
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AN ACT
ESTABLISFIING A CENTER FOR AUTISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it cnacteii b\j the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. 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 individual 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, tlie 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;
c) 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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d) Disabled Worker - means a worker whose earning capacity is 
impaired by mental, physical, or sensory deficiency or injury;
e) 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;
f) Impairment - is any loss, diminution or aberration of psychological, 
physioU)gical, or anatomical structure or function;
g) Indigent patient - a disabled person whose level of income falls 
bek)w 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 cannot 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 tlie following functions:
1) Formulate and implement an integrated and comprehensive master
2) Create a diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation clinic;
3) Provide vocational training programs for autistic adults;
4) Provide free diagnosis and rehabilitation services to indigent autistic;
5) Provide continuing training programs for teachers, therapists, 
medical;
6) Provide other services such as counseling, orientation and referral;
7) 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;
2) One (1) representative from the Department of Education who shall 
sit as the Vice-Chairperson;


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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. Secretaiiat - Tlie 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;
3) 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 otlier 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) Act as 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. Appropriations. - For the initial operating expenses of the Center, the 
amount of Five Million Pesos (5,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated from the 
available funds of the Office of the President. Thereafter, it shall submit to the 
Department of Budget and Management, its proposed budget for inclusion in 
the General Appropriations Act.


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SEC. 7. Transitory Provisions. - Witliin tlie period of one hundred and eighty 
(180) days after tlie approval of tliis Act, the Board constituted shall start its 
operation. All other government offices liaving functions similar to the Board 
shall then cease to perform such functions. Henceforth, these functions shall 
be deemed transferred to the Board.
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board in consultation 
with appropriates 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. 9. 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. 10. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act, be declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, no other provisions hereof be affected thereby.
SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved,