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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SE  DATE August 4, 2025,

* TIME 5:10 pm
BY _Tweety

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TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO, 2991

Introduced by Representative ANTOLIN “LENLEN” A. ORETA IIL

AN ACT
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL AUTISM CARE PLAN, ESTABLISHING A SUB-
COMMITTEE ON AUTISM UNDER THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY
AFFAIRS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution, specifically Article II, Section 15, declares that the State shall protect and
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. The
Constitution further provides that the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach
to health development, which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social
services available to all the people at affordable cost.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person's
communication, social interaction and behavior. People with ASD may also experience
differences in learning, movement, and attention.

In the Philippines, the number of people with ASD continues to rise. According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 100 Filipinos is estimated to have autism
spectrum disorder.' The Department of Health has likewise noted a significant rise in cases,
reporting that the number of Filipinos with autism increased from 500,000 in 2008 to 1,000,000
by April 2018.

Despite these growing numbers, many people with ASD still face barriers in aces
diagnosis, appropriate healthcare, inclusive education, and long-term support. Families are left to
navigate these challenges on their own without professional guidance.

‘This bill seeks to institutionalize a National Autism Care Plan (NACP) as a national framework
to support persons with autism and their families. Itestablishes a Sub-Committee on Autism under
the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), which will serve as the lead inter-agency and
multi-sectoral mechanism in developing and implementing inclusive and sustainable NACP.

' Philippine Information Agency, 02 April 2024

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These include services in early detection, health care, inclusive education, employment,
community support, and legal protection.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

ANTOLIN f ENLEN” A, ORETA IIL

Lone District of Malabon City


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2991

Introduced by Representative ANTOLIN “LENLI

A. ORETA IIT

AN ACT
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL AUTISM CARE PLAN, ESTABLISHING A SUB-
COMMITTEE ON AUTISM UNDER THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY
AFFAIRS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Autism Care Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the
right to health of the people to full, healthy, and holistic development. To this end, the State shall
promote an environment conducive to the development of persons with autism to become, to the
best of their potentials, independent, self-reliant, and productive members of society.

‘The State commits itself to the establishment of institutional and social mechanisms to
support children and adult persons with autism and their families, develop a clear and consistent
pathway to early detection and diagnosis, provide easy to quality health care, edi
and employment opportunities such that persons with autism may live independently within the
community, to minimize or completely eradicate discrimination, and to enable the private sector
to extend relevant services that will complement the government’s programs. The State
recognizes and respects the preferences and differences of the members of the community,
including the use of identity-first or person-first language.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms, — As used in this Act:

a. Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a neurodevelopmental condition
characterized by challenges with communication, social skills, restrictive and repetitive
behaviors, as well as by unique strengths, as defined in the latest version of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders;

b. Diagnosis refers to necessary assessments, including, but not limited to
neuropsychological and neurodevelopmental evaluations, genetic testing, neuroimaging,


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neurophysiologic examination, hearing tests, psychometric tests to diagnose autism/and
or developmental disabilities in individuals;

¢, Disability refers to 1) a physical or mental impairment that 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) regarded as having such an
impairment;

4. Epidemiology refers to the study and analysis of the distribution and determinants of
health conditions in defined populations;

©. Habilitation refers to an integrated approach to physical, psychological, cultural,
spiritual, educational, or vocational, measures that create conditions for individuals to
attain the highest possible level of functional ability and quality of life;

£. Inclusive Education refers to the process of addressing and responding to the diversity
of needs of all learners by moving towards the end-goal of full participation, presence.
and achievement in learning cultures and communities, which involves accommodation,
modification, adaptation, and individualization in content, approaches, structures, and
strategies. It involves equitable opportunities for learners with disabilities to receive
educational services, and the needed support and related services with their age-
appropriate peer groups and, as far as practicable, in such schools or Inclusive Learning
Resource Centers (ILRCs) nearest their homes or residences, in order to prepare them to
live as fully functional members of society;

g, Intervention refers to the interceding action undertaken to help improve the autism
prognosis. Intervention in autism may take the form of, medical, pharmacological,
therapeutic, educational, and non-traditional habilitative care, and all other support
services;

h. Rehabilitation a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce
disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment; and

i. Service providers ~ any person or entity that provides a service to the public. This can
include businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

iS ism. — A Sub-Committee on Autism,

SEC. 4. Inter-Agency and Multi-Sectoral Mechanism. — A Sut n it
herein referred to as the Sub-Committee, is hereby created, under the National Couneil on
Disability Affairs (NCDA) which shall serve as an inter-agency and multi-sectoral policy-making
and coordinative mechanism to develop and implement a sustainable National Autism Care Plan

(NACP).

SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Sub-Committee. - The Sub-Committee shall have the
following powers and functions:


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(a) Develop the NACP, a roadmap in addressing the holistic needs of Filipinos with autism
and their families, such as health, education, employment, among others, for the
guidance of stakeholders in the private and public sectors, calibrated to meet the
changing needs of society and developments in technology;

(b) Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of the NACP and the protection

of rights of persons with autism, with the concerned government and non-governmental
agencies;

(©) Design campaigns that promote public awareness, acceptance, accommodation, and
appreciation of persons with autism;

(4) Undertake research in collaboration with private and public entities regarding autism
in the Philippines;

(©) Enhance the programs and capabilities of the government to provide nationally
available services that support persons with autism and their families, in areas
including, but not limited to screening, diagnoses, early intervention, education,
training, employment, and livelihood;

(£) Assist the private and public sector in the design and delivery of support programs for
persons with autism and their families;

(g) Develop capacity-building programs, incentives, and awards, for persons with autism
to enhance their potentials as independent, self-reliant, and productive members of
society;

(h) Establish networks with other organizations, institutions, and professionals working for
the promotion of public policy and programs for persons with autism, and support
‘groups for families of persons with autism;

(i) Receive donations and grants from international donor institutions, foundations, and
multilateral and bilateral foreign donor agencies, involved in the direct services for
persons with autism;

(i) Enter into memoranda of agreement with government and non-governmental entities
for the implementation of various programs for persons with autism; and

(k) Perform other acts as may be necessary, proper, or incidental to the attainment of
purposes and objectives of this Act.

SEC. 6. Composition of the Sub-Committee on Autism. - The Sub-Committee shall be

composed of the heads of office of the following agencies:

a. The NCDA as Chairperson;
b. The DOH as Vice Chairperson;


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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);

The DepEd;

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);

‘The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health and Research
Development (DOST-PCHRD);

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED);

The Commission on Civil Service (CSC);

The Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA);

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC);

Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH);

The National Institutes for Health (NIH);

Three (3) representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with programs
and advocacy for persons with autism;

Two (2) representatives from duly accredited associations of families of persons with
autism; and

p. Two (2) representatives from NGOs composed of autism self-advocates.

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Except for members from government agencies, the members of the Sub-Committee shall
be appointed by the Chairperson of the Sub-Committee.

The heads of office of goverment agencies may designate official permanent
representatives to the Sub-Committee, whose rank shall not be lower than an Assistant Secretary
or its equivalent: Provided, That the designated representative has no vote, unless authorized in
writing.

The members of the Sub-Committee shall be appointed not later than thirty (30) days after
the date of the enactment of this Act. Members representing the non-government agencies shall
serve for a term of three (3) years renewable upon recommendation of the Sub-Committee and
approval of the President for a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms. In case of vacancy, the
successor appointed to fill the same shall serve only the unexpired portion of the term of the
member he/she succeeds to.

All members of the Sub-Committee shall receive per diem as may be determined by the Sub-
Committee, in accordance with existing budget and accounting rules and regulations.

‘The Sub-Committee shall meet at least quarterly or as often as necessary. The presence of a
majority of the members of the Sub-Committee shall constitute a quorum.

‘The Sub-Committee shall have a Secretariat which will coordinate the functions and organize
the programs, plans, and activities pursuant to this Act. The NCDA shall determine the necessary
staffing requirements of the Sub-Committee, subject to the evaluation and approval of the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and in compliance with the civil service and other
pertinent laws, rules and regulations.


SEC. 7. The National Autism Care Plan. ~The Sub-Committee on Autism shall spearhead
and coordinate with government agencies and other stakeholders on the implementation of the
NACP.

The programs and services under the NACP shall include, among others, the following:

(a) Information campaigns - The DOH, DepEd, NCDA, DSWD, CHED, TESDA, and PCMH

shall, in accordance their respective mandates, conduct various forms of information
campaigns, as follows:

1. Publication such as manuals, infographics, and easily readable instruction materials on
early detection, management, intervention, habilitation, rehabilitation, and care of
autism;

2. Publication of a newsletter on current developments, milestones, best practices,
resources, and research on autism;

3. Promotion of early screening of children and individuals at higher risk for such
disability;

4. Other platforms for families of persons with autism such as online resources,
educational aids, guides, and other suitable alternatives in local languages:

5. The NCDA shall create and develop a central database of | professionals and childcare
institutions concerned with the case and development of persons with autism: and

6. The Sub-Committee may initiate and conduct collaborative information campaigns as
may be necessary.

(b) Health -

1, The DOH shall implement epidemiological surveillance programs to establish a
databank and information and monitoring system (IMS) on the demographic, socio-
economic, and total incidence and prevalence of persons with autism in the country;

2. The DOH, PCMH, PCHRD, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD)
Council, DepEd’s ILRCs shall, in coordination with other concerned agencies:

a. Strengthen research focus on autism; -

b. Promote, create, develop, and adopt strategic plans that will continue to
determine and establish evidence-based practices for interventions, care, and
integration into society of persons with autism; :

cc. Expand research into the link between environmental factors and autism; and

d. Continue investigations into causation, diagnosis, early detection, and
interventions for 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 sociodemographic factors; and

3. The Sub-Committee may initiate and conduct collaborative health programs, plans, and
activities as may be necessary.

(c) Education — The DOH, DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DSWD, and shall, in accordance with

their respective mandates, conduct various forms of education programs, plans, and
activities in cooperation with other concemed agencies, as follows:

1. Continuing education and training programs on the proper handling of persons with
autism;

2. Continuing education and training of families, teachers, therapists, and caregivers of
Persons with autism through seminars, conventions, and other forms of educational
tools;

3. Continuing education and training on autism for public service providers to sensitize
and empower them as effective front liners in the delivery of services to persons with
autism and their families;

4. Curriculum development for continuing education to assist individuals in recognizing

the need for and using valid and reliable screening tools;

5S. “Teach the Teachers” Program on specialized and holistic training for health and

education professionals;

6. Formulation of guidelines, policies, protocols, and individualized programs on
inclusive education for school children, young students, and other learners with autism,
in matters including, but not limited to discrimination, acceptance to academic or
training programs, instructional support, and behavior management; and

7. The Sub-Committee may initiate and conduct collaborative education programs, plans,
and activities as may be necessary.

(d) Employment and livelihood - The DOLE and CSC shall formulate policies and initiate and

implement programs to ensure that persons with autism are provided opportunities for
gainful employment and apprenticeship both in the private and public sectors.

(e) Other Support Programs

1. The DILG and Department of National Defense shall provide lifesaving support to

"persons with autism with behavioral and communication challenges, in times of

disasters, calamities, situations of armed conflict, and other emergencies, ensure their
inclusion on the list of priority sectors;


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. The Department of Transportation shall formulate policies and protocols to ensure that

persons with autism with behavioral and communication challenges and their families

are given reasonable accommodation in accessing all forms of transportation by land,
sea, and air;

. The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall formulate policies and protocols to ensure

criminal justice agencies and professionals shall provide the accommodations and
protections to persons with autism with behavioral and communication challenges, who
may be accused of, are victims of, or are witnesses to crimes;

. The DOJ and the Commission on Human Rights shall promulgate guidelines and

standards to ensure that interventions and programs for persons with autism do not

violate their basic human rights, particularly as regards their rights to determine their
own decisions.

All other concerned agencies shall, in accordance with their respective mandates,
conduct orientation and counselling services for families of persons newly diagnosed
with autism and establish Family Support Networks and Sibling Programs;

. The Sub-Committee may initiate and conduct other collaborative support programs,

plans, and activities as may be necessary.

SEC.8, Panel of Technical Experts. — The Sub-Committee shall constitute a national panel
of technical experts consisting of practitioners related to autism, such as, but not limited to:

a. One (1) representative from the duly accredited association of medical doctors
in the Philippines;

b. One (1) representative from the speech-language pathologists’ national
organization, duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission;

c. One (1) representative from the developmental and behavioral pediatricians?
national organization, duly recognized by the Professional Regulation
Commission; . —

4. One (1) representative from the psychologists’ national organization, duly
recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; _

e. One (1) representative from the dieticians’ national organization, duly
recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission: .

f. One (1) representative from the occupational therapists’ national organization,
duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; oul

g. One (1) representative from the social workers’ national organization, duly
recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; ; f

h. One (1) representative from the developmental educators national
organization, duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; and

i, One (1) representative from the disability support workers’ national
organization, duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission.



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The Panel shall provide professional and technical advice to the Sub-Committee in science,
technologies, and best practices for autism.

The Sub-Committee shall set the qualifications and per diems for the technical experts. The
Sub-Committee or through the collaborative programs and plans of its member agencies and
organizations shall provide resources for the operations and activities of the Panel.

SEC. 9. Local Government Support. — Local government units (LGUs) shall promote the
NACP in their respective territorial jurisdictions. LGUs may enter into joint ventures with national
agencies and organizations or associations with programs and advocacy for persons with autism,
to explore livelihood opportunities and other undertakings that shall enhance the health, physical
fitness, and the economic and social well-being of persons with autism,

The Sub-Committee and the DILG shall coordinate with LGUs in the mainstreaming of the
NACP.

SEC. 10. Consultation with Stakeholders. - The Sub-Committee shall, in collaboration with
professionals, networks and support groups for persons with autism, hold broad consultations and

massive information campaigns on the various programs, with government and non-governmental
stakeholders.

SEC. 11. PhilHealth Coverage. ~ The Sub-Committee shall facilitate the necessary
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) coverage for persons with autism,
including early screening and detection programs, immediately from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC, 12. Protection Against Discrimination in Insurance and Other Financial
Instruments, - The Department of Finance shall, within 180 days from the effectivity of this Act,
formulate policies and protocols to ensure that all financial service providers such as banks,
insurance companies, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) shall provide persons with
autism equitable access to their services and products.

SEC. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Sub-Committee shall, in
consultation and coordination with appropriate national government agencies, NGOs, and other
stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of
this Act, no later than 180 days upon the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 14. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

i s f this Act is held
SEC. 15. Separability Clause. - If any section or provision o
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall continue to

be in full force and effect.
SEC. 16. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,

presidential proclamations, letters of instruction, rules and regulations or parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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SEC. 17, Effectivity.— This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,

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